Chastening or Punishment - Leviticus 26:24, 28
See All..., 28
INTRODUCTION
The words chastening and punishment are like many Bible words that share some overlap in meaning but also demonstrate variation. A Bible-believer trusts that God chose His words very carefully in order to accomplish His purpose in any given passage. At first glance, the words punish (Leviticus 26:24Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.
See All...) and chastise (Leviticus 26:28Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.
See All...) seem to be interchangeable, but a tedious study of the entirety of scripture will begin to unveil some distinctions. One area in which there appears to be a distinction is in the purpose of implementation. Punishment is the infliction of judgment for the sake of justice, while chastening is the application of judgment for the sake of correction.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
- (For smaller children) The thieves crucified on either side of Jesus were being justly punished (Luke 23:39-41 [39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
[40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
[41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
See All...). Jonah wanted the Ninevites destroyed. Read what God used to chastise him and what He said to correct Jonah’s wrong attitude (Jonah 4). - Why is it important for Bible students to study any differences that may exist between the words punish and chastise ? Do you currently know of any differences that exist?
- Why does God punish? Why does He chasten? Why should believers want to know the purpose of each? How can that information make us better Christians?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Ask God to teach you the meaning and purpose of chastening.
- Ask the Lord to help you do right at all times.
HYMN
Afflictions Do Not Come Alone
LTB DEVOTIONS ON FACEBOOK
Receive the daily devotions on your facebook wall by clicking "Like" on http://www.facebook.com/kingjamesbibledailydevotions.