TODAY’S VERSES:  

Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

In our last Kid’s Corner, we began a study of the Old Testament book of Jonah. We read how God commanded the prophet Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and warn them to change their wicked ways or God was going to discipline them. Jonah did not like the Ninevites, as they were enemies of the Jewish people, so he disobeyed God and hopped on a ship to Tarshish. This city which was in the complete opposite direction of Nineveh, by the way. God was not happy with Jonah’s disobedience, so He sent a huge storm and the ship began to fall apart because of the wind and waves. Jonah admitted to the crew that the storm was because of him. He then told them to throw him overboard so the storm would stop and they eventually did. So does the story end there? Did God let Jonah drown for his disobedience?

Jonah 1:17 “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

This seems like a very strange way to save Jonah from drowning, right? We asked the kids in prep school why they thought God would do this instead of just sending a rescue boat. They answered, “so Jonah could repent and think about what he had done and to teach him not to disobey God”. Great answers, kids!  Jonah 2:1-9 is Jonah’s prayer while in the fish’s belly. Go read that with your parents to learn how Jonah responded to God both saving and disciplining him.

How can we relate to this story? Try to remember the last time you decided to disobey your parents, talk back, or throw a fit. How did they react to your bad behavior? They most likely sent you to your room, right? When we disobey or disrespect those in authority, we are sinning. We often need to be alone to think about what we have done, as well as pray and ask the Lord for forgiveness. Even after this time alone, though, your parents may choose to discipline you further. So, it is important to always remember two things about discipline: 1) It is an expression of love.

Revelation 3:19 “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”

Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

2) It is for our benefit as it teaches us how to behave righteously.

Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

So, though it may seem odd to say, we should be grateful for the discipline we receive from both God and the authorities He has placed in our lives. If we receive it with humility, we will be blessed.

Job 5:17 “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”