So back to the book. Mr Wilkinson teaches that God will discipline us in degrees. This is yet another example of His Mercy towards us wayward children. The author gives a great example of him being a child and misbehaving at the dinner table. (see pp 43-44) He bases these stages on Hebrews 12:5-6 NKJV. He calls the first degree “rebuke,” the second “chasten” and the third “scourge.” Let’s take a look at the differences in each. Today we explore rebuke.
Rebuke is a verbal warning. This is a conviction in our spirit that we are doing something sinful. I have made several videos about the difference between conviction, which is good for us and comes from God, versus condemnation, which only moves us further from God and is from the enemy himself, so I will put some links below. For here know that conviction is God’s way of nudging us because we are getting ourselves into trouble. In this stage, the level of intensity is light. It’s like a firm tap on the shoulder from God trying to grab our attention that something is not right here. We may feel some annoyance, maybe a little discontented or confused about what we feel, and we will know something has got to change. But all this is for our good. As Mr Wilkinson says, “…these rebukes were a result of my poor choices and were meant to spare me further pain.” (pp45-46)
The key here is to keep our heart open to sense God whispering to us. You know how with Spiderman, Peter Parker gets a “spidey-sense”? In the same respect, we Christians should become more aware of our “spirit-sense.” This is the Holy Spirit lovingly trying to warn us about something we are doing that is not consistent with who we now are in Christ. For instance, if you are like me and have issues with complaining, the moment I am about to open my mouth and grumble about something, the Holy Spirit will expose this sinful attitude to me and encourage me to bite my tongue. If we are willing to listen, we will repent and walk away, so we will not sin against God. But if we choose to ignore this, God steps up the discipline.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
<>< Peace, Diane
