It would be so easy to be parents if children always did what the parent said was the right thing to do. But from the very beginning, the children have minds of their own. They make choices to behave in a way that is pleasing to their parents or in ways that require the loving parent to discipline because of bad choices.
The same is true of Christians or of Christian nations—choices will be made—good or bad. God is the loving parent expecting exemplary behavior.
God disciplined His children of Judah to produce right living and genuine worship.
“Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins. Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:40.
The message proclaimed by Jeremiah in this passage is the same for us today: Do not complain about discipline. Instead learn from it, trust God, and be willing to change.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane