1 Chronicles 21:7 But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel.
What is happening here is David who is king over Israel wants to take a census of the people. Basically take a count of how many people he is ruling over. We do this every ten years in the United States so to us we don’t understand this to be a sinful act. However in Exodus 30 we are told that the census shouldn’t be done because we are not owned by a human ruler. David is going against God’s commands and is acting as though he owns God’s people. Therefore God disciplines both David and the people.
This is not my favorite “but God” verse and most likely it is not your favorite season of life when God is disciplining you! However we know that it is for our benefit according to the scriptures.
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives”
Why God Disciplines His Children:
- To Transform:God’s discipline is not meant to harm but to mold believers into more Christ-like individuals, preparing them for their eternal destiny.
- To Teach:Through discipline, God teaches his children about his character, his ways, and his love.
- To Promote Righteousness:God’s discipline, though sometimes painful, ultimately leads to a more righteous and fulfilling life.
- To Bring to Repentance:When believers stray from God’s path, discipline can be a means of drawing them back to him and helping them to see and repent (turn) of their wrongdoing.
Nobody desires discipline but just as a good father teaches his children our heavenly Father does the same to us. Ultimately we learn to turn from what is not good for us to the open arms of God. I’m reminded of the story of the prodigal son…he ran off and spent his father’s money, carousing with women, and live a life without showing love to his friends or family. When he ran out of all other options he was forced to return home. Did you catch that…God forced him to “turn” or “repent” and go home. This is where the prodigal son’s father was waiting and ran to him with open arms. Our perfect Father in Heaven comes running to us after we have done everything wrong and wraps us up in His love, Grace, and mercy!!!
The Mind of Christ 
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