Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord,
    the one you teach from your law.

In verse 1, the ESV calls God, “God of vengeance.” That kind of hit me in the face, but it agrees perfectly with the Japanese. We tend to forget that vengeance, revenge, was very much part of society in those days, and seen as an expression of justice. It’s obvious that the person who wrote this was pretty upset at the behavior of people around him. It reminds me of some of the reports coming out of the hurricane-ravaged areas of the US, of both government flunkies and “aid organizations” behaving badly. It’s important, and actually satisfying, to be able to release such things to God and know that He will take care of them eventually. Actions do have consequences! That said, this verse is an important reminder. None of us are innocent, no matter how much “better” we seem than whoever we happen to be thinking of. God “taking us out behind the woodshed” is far better than simply going to eternal damnation. I have always liked the extended treatment of this theme in Hebrews 12:4-12, and have taken it to heart. I’m very grateful that the most severe rebuke I’ve experienced to this point simply drove me to my knees, saying, “My Lord and my God,” rather than laying me on a bed of pain or even snuffing out my life. I’m grateful for God’s character, and that He “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) He does take care of retribution, but that’s not His preferred mode of operation. The point here is twofold: we are to be grateful when God corrects us, and we are to be a peace with the assurance that He will appropriately correct everyone else as well.

As I said, I have experienced God’s correction, actually several times. I’m not proud that I’ve needed it, but I’m thankful to be aware that I’m not on some higher plane than anyone else. The ground is indeed level at the foot of the cross! The thing is, God sometimes uses us to correct each other. As Paul said, we are to admonish one another. (Colossians 3:16) I have learned the hard way that in my position as a pastor and spiritual elder, my words can at times be far more painful than I intend, and that’s not good. I need to speak the truth in love, but strive always for the love to be foremost, even when the truth is painful. On the flip side of that, I am to receive correction from others with gratitude, knowing that God is using them even if their expression of it is less than artful. We are all foolish and weak, totally dependent on God’s grace, and we need to extend that grace to each other.

Father, thank You for this clear Word. Thank You for the recent training You have given me in this area. Help me indeed be an expression of Your grace, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!