Psalm 94:12 –
Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions.
First I wonder just how much we really are joyful when being disciplined by the Lord or anyone for that matter. Maybe a while later, but how many of us can be joyful WHILE being disciplined? Joy comes later in most cases, when you can look back and see the string of events. You can review what got you there, the discipline and then the instructions you get. This intertwined set of circumstances that point to not only your struggle but God’s hand in the whole thing.
When you follow God, you may not always like the direction you take but it’s always a joyful ride in the end. We jump to verse 23 and see the other side of correction of those who do not follow God. These are not “joyful” people embracing God’s correction. These people are destroyed by their sin, not corrected. They live in misery for they do not follow God.
Now my question is do we both receive the same discipline and corrective action, where the difference is we look at it as instructions and evil people do not? Why would God punish the sins more harshly just because they were not followers of God? Ponder this idea, the “spanking” is the same, it’s what we take from it that differs. If you are trying to please God you will follow his instructions and take corrective action. If you are not, well the rebellious nature of man takes us down paths which cause more problems and strife. The punishment to sin is death, doesn’t matter what you believe. The key is the redemptive power of God through the blood of Jesus! “Believers” gain salvation from sin by confessing them before a sacrifice. At the time this was written, there were procedures and protocol to follow for the temple sacrifice. Now this path is more direct with Jesus. So do you get the difference now? One child said “I’m sorry” the other did not. Simple confession of one’s sin helps keep those channels open so we can see His instructions and follow in his grace!