Isaiah 63:7-14 NLT
[7] I will tell of the LORD’s unfailing love. I will praise the LORD for all he has done. I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel, which he has granted according to his mercy and love. [8] He said, “They are my very own people. Surely they will not betray me again.” And he became their Savior. [9] In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years. [10] But they rebelled against him and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he became their enemy and fought against them. [11] Then they remembered those days of old when Moses led his people out of Egypt. They cried out, “Where is the one who brought Israel through the sea, with Moses as their shepherd? Where is the one who sent his Holy Spirit to be among his people? [12] Where is the one whose power was displayed when Moses lifted up his hand- the one who divided the sea before them, making himself famous forever? [13] Where is the one who led them through the bottom of the sea? They were like fine stallions racing through the desert, never stumbling. [14] As with cattle going down into a peaceful valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led your people, LORD, and gained a magnificent reputation.”
GOD SUFFERS WHEN WE SUFFER
Verse 9: In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.
In the old days fathers were allowed to spank their children without being charged with child abuse. As those fathers prepared to administer whatever punishment they deemed necessary, they would tell the offending child, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you!” No child ever believed it. But years later these children became parents, and they began to understand the pain a father feels.
Throughout her troubled history, Israel had frequently felt the Lord’s displeasure and had been subjected to his discipline. It was Israel’s fault entirely. God’s “unfailing love,” His “great goodness,” and His “mercy” were abundantly evident (Isaiah 63:7)—so much so that the Lord had said, “They are my very own people. Surely they will not be false again” (Isaiah 63:8). But they were—and he was obliged to discipline them once again.
In their distress, God’s people complained. They questioned him, wanting to know where he was during their affliction (Isaiah 63:11-13). They recounted the ways that he had saved and led, provided and cared for them, and they wondered where their great Savior had gone (Isaiah 63:18-19). It apparently did not occur to them to ask, “What have we done to cause such a sad situation?” They preferred to ask, “Where has he gone? What is he doing?”
The answer to that question was that he was not distant, although he had withdrawn from them. In case they thought he might be remote, they needed to know that “in all their suffering he also suffered” (Isaiah 63:9). The Lord was certainly a father who disciplined, but it hurt him more than it hurt them! Not that his children believed it—but it was true!
Discipline is not designed for the benefit of the one handing it out. It is not a God-given means of venting frustration. When properly administered, it is supposed to bring about the disciplined person’s reformation. The heart of the one doing the disciplining should be set on the well-being of those being disciplined. Without it, they would continue in their mistaken ways. A father’s love requires that they be reproved. But a father’s loving heart cannot help but feel the anguish of their suffering.
Hebrews 12:5-13 NLT
[5] And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. [6] For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” [7] As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? [8] If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. [9] Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? [10] For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. [11] No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. [12] So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. [13] Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
If you are a Christian, you should be learning from times of discipline from God. Can you see the discipline of God that your times of sin and rebellion and contempt have brought upon you?
Remember: Next time you receive the Lord’s discipline, don’t complain. It hurts him more than it hurts you.
From an Unworthy servant,
Chris Chloupek
Lead Evangelist
