Receiving Rebuke

What happens when we refuse to listen to God and act on what he says? The Bible is clear that God, like a loving parent, will administer the appropriate correction in our lives. "For whom the LORD loves He reproves," states Proverbs 3:12, "even as a father, the son in whom he delights". The level of the discipline we receive depends mostly on the level of our teach ability. If we are teachable, we come around quickly to obedience. As a consequence, the level of discipline is fairly minor, sometimes even painless. But if we are unteachable, if we refuse God's rebuke, the level of discipline increases in severity, just like my "rearing" did. Not because God is ruthless, but because our hearts are rebellious. Our loving Father will do whatever it takes to break that rebellion before that rebellion breaks us. Jesus was direct in his rebuke of Martha. His words were gentle, but they pierced straight to the heart of her shortcomings. And Martha paid attention. She was teachable. All it took was a tender rebuke from the one she loved. Jesus didn't have to convince her. She didn't launch into a debate, She simply accepted his words, though I'm sure they were painful to hear. Martha knew the secret every child who has ever been lovingly disciplined eventually learns. You shouldn't run away from your daddy. Though correction hurts and rebukes sting, at the end of the pain, there is great reward. "Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD;...you grant him relief from days of trouble" (Psalm 94:12-13). (From:Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)