2 Samuel 7:14 “I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men.”

It is very clear that this isn’t talking about David’s most famous son, or descendant, because it speaks of his sinning. I don’t know the Hebrew grammar here, but the Japanese carries the nuance of becoming Father and son, whereas Christ was the Son of God from before Creation. With that clear, the most interesting thing about this verse is the statement that God uses human instruments to punish us. We don’t like to hear that. For many people, the thought that an oppressive boss might be God’s instrument of correction is not a happy one. Paul makes clear that police, for example, are God’s instruments (most of the time), so the next time you get pulled over for a traffic violation, submit to God and thank Him for His correction! There are of course times when we must disobey human authority, as Peter made very clear (Acts 4:19; 5:29), but those are actually quite rare. In general, a rebellious person is rebelling first against God, and only then against His human agents.

I’m as guilty as the next guy here. I can remember several times in my life that God has used human instruments to “apply the board of education to the seat of learning,” so to speak. Interestingly, those who come to mind aren’t my parents (though they did correct me), but school teachers and trusted friends. In my life and ministry I have seen many, many rebellious people who reacted strongly against the idea that God might be using the people around them to provide needed correction. As a pastor and teacher, I am often called on to correct people in one way or another. I must be careful to do so in submission and obedience to God, or to human authority over me, such as in my school teaching. With grandchildren coming to visit for a couple of weeks, I’m going to have plenty of opportunity to apply correction! I must remember always to act in the love and grace of God, being both firm and gentle. Dealing with my grandsons will be good training in applying correction in all sorts of situations.

Father, thank You that You don’t waste any detail of our lives. Help me be fully submitted to You so that I may receive the full benefit of all that You allow me to experience. May I be an open channel for Your love, grace, and authority to flow through me, accomplishing Your will in me and in those around me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!