Our pop culture likes the idea of a “grandfatherly” god (little “g”), and abhors the idea of a “God of judgment.” It sounds so “avant garde” and “grown-up,” that is, until you imagine a four year old saying to his parents, “I like the idea of Disneyland parents, but I don’t want anything to do with spanking or time-outs! If that’s the case, I’m outta here! I’ll find some Disneyland parents!!”
Romans 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindness.
No good parent disciplines his kids to “make his day.” Arbitrary discipline is baaaaad parenting. Why would anyone think God is like THAT?!
Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
Every good parent disciplines his kids with a heavy heart and a wise eye to the future. We know that, left unchecked, Junior’s behavior is going to bring him and others a lot of headaches, or worse! You discipline BECAUSE you love Junior. In fact, if you don’t discipline, can you really say you genuinely love Junior?
Hebrews 12:8 If you aren’t disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illiegitimate children and not true sons.
God is “stern” with us, not because He’s mean but because He sees us veering into uncharted territory that, if left unchecked will bring us and others a lot of headaches, or worse!
My own father’s spankings kept me out of a lot of trouble (yes, they did hurt!).
Should we be surprised that God wouldn’t do the same with us?
Hebrews 12:9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits AND LIVE!
Ah, and that’s the point! If all you see of your father is the spanking, you’ll hate your father. But if you see what’s behind the spanking, your good, your future, your blessing, your correction and training, you will see your Father (“F”) with completely different eyes!
His sternness IS as kind as His kindness. Maybe, more so…