Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for. (Isa. 40:2)
With kids, discipline so often flows from the posture of correction. We discipline our children because we desire to see maturation, growth, and development that aligns with the dream of who they could become. But let’s face it, kids—no matter the age—make decisions for themselves. So often they deviate in ways contrary to our original hope and dream for their lives. Correction through discipline is not meant to crush but to bring strength and comfort for their life’s trajectory.
Israel had wandered. Opportunities had abounded, yet deep-seated sin had been their way of response. Interestingly enough, God spoke through Isaiah in a way that brought comfort and promise. In the face of their rebellion and sin, God hadn’t removed the consequence before them, but tenderly assured them of his presence, love, and care. Their correction had come to an end and was being met with refocus, repurpose, and alignment once more with the call on their lives.
Don’t resist God’s tender voice when he calls to you. Like our kids, we need to respond to the voice of the Father. His voice carries the words of life and will establish our feet when we fall. His voice brings comfort to those who will hear. To grow in God, we must continually hear and respond to his voice in everything.
Train your heart to respond to God’s tender voice.
Aaron Golden is a church planter and lead pastor at Union Point Church in New Bern, North Carolina.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
