Title
A Whip, a Bridle and a Rod
Scripture
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back.
(Proverbs 26:3)
Devotional
What does it take for you to do what you are supposed to do? Better yet, what does it take for you to do what you know to do?
There are two things that enhance desire: hunger and discipline. If we are hungry enough, we will work as hard as we need to in order to achieve our goals. Or, if we are disciplined enough, we will strive to accomplish our endeavors.
Therefore, let us whip ourselves into shape, bridle our tongues and accept the rod of correction. Obedience never needs to be chastised. A well-trained horse is never whipped. A skilled donkey needs no bridle, and a repentant fool avoids the rod.
If we simply do the things we know to do, we are on our way to liberty. If we learn to do the things we should, we are succeeding at our calling. As Jesus told the apostle Paul, “It is hard to kick against the goads.”(1)
(1) Acts 26:14
Text For The Day
Proverbs 26:3: A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Thought For The Day
: “Pain is only intolerable when seen in a distorted light. But when we know it is the hand of a loving God that shapes it all, and that it is our Father who gives us the cup of sorrow to drink, there is no distortion and so no unbearable burden.” Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God.
Questions To Ponder
· Has there ever been a child without the need for correction?
· Has the Lord God ever guided you with a whip, bridle, or rod of His correction?
· What do these metaphors of correction represent in your life?
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Chastise”: The necessary loving force needed to guide and direct the rebellious, stubborn, and willfully ignorant and fools.
Referencing: “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6
Applying: Accept discipline and if you have the God given authority to do so, lovingly give it.