About a week ago I got to thinking about the Scripture Katherine and I had justread in our morning devotion, 2 Sam. 12. It's the classic illustration of two great spiritual truths that some folks have a tough time reconciling:
King David had coveted, committed adultery and murdered. However, he genuinely repented and made confession. GOD FORGAVE HIM… and still he would SUFFER CONSEQUENCES: Humiliation, his family torn apart and his infant would die.
I must have been about 11 years old, and was caught " playing hooky" from school. My dad confronted me. I said I was sorry, etc… yet I still GOT A GOOD SPANKING, A ND WAS N OT A LLOWED TO GOON A CUB SCOUT CAMPING TRIP. I had eagerly anticipated that outing, too. I was not a 'HAPPY CAMPER'.
However, here's the point: My father didn't stop loving me, or throw me out of the family; he didn't stop taking care of me.
There are ALWAYS CONSEQUENCES for sin. CHRIST BORE THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES for us. So, we're still IN THE FAMILY OF GOD, STILL HIS CHILDREN… HEAVEN IS STILL OUR ETERNAL HOME.
But there are also TEMPORAL CONSEQUENCES. God allows us to bear them. The Bible says, "He disciplines every son (child) He receives". Why? HE LOVES US.
Here's a couple of thoughts: If my dad had REALLY LOVED ME all those years ago, wouldn't he have removed ALL CONSEQUENCES of my rebellious and disobedient behavior? Is it in the BEST INTEREST of our children that they never face CONSEQUENCES??