Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The Jackson Chronicles Part 7 Good To Be Reminded

(Another installment in the ongoing saga of our grandson Jackson's uncanny ability to provide insights into God's way in our lives, as provided by a five year old. This segment also provides somewhat of an addendum and illustration to our series of several weeks ago titled "Love and Fear").

Our grandchildren, Jackson (5) and Emma (4) stayed with us this past weekend. As Frances and I left the house yesterday, she told Jackson (who had had several episodes of less than optimum behavior) to be sure he behaved while our daughters watched him. "If not," his grandmother warned, "I'll have to give you an attitude adjustment when I get home, Jack." She explained that by this, she meant a spanking.


I chimed in, "That's right, Jack, but I'm sure we won't have to worry about that, will we?"


Jackson thought for a moment. "No sir," he responded, and then added, thoughtfully, "But it's good have a reminder."

The Bible provides numerous "reminders" of our Father's great love for us, as expressed in His willingness to "chasten" and "scourge" us when necessary (Hebrews 12:6).

"I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you" (I Corinthians 4:14).

In a generation of pop Christendom wherein we are strongly tempted not to offend each other or the world, the notion of warning as a primary aspect of Divine love does not always adequately inform our communication of God's truth. The writers of the New Testament, however, never hesitated in counseling unbelievers to "flee from the wrath to come." Nor did they shy away from urging believers to remember that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Luke 3:7; Hebrews 10:31). Indeed, in our present existence, Truth always bears a necessary barb and thorn for the purpose of ensuring choices of faith that are more than merely sentimental responses to pleasant thoughts. Yes, it's good to have a reminder, as Jackson would say, and it's good to lovingly serve as a voice of reminder to believer and unbeliever alike.

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
(Hebrews 3:13)
"I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of those things, though ye know them and be established in the present truth."
(II Peter 1:12)

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