Oct. 19

Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook

REGULATED CHASTISEMENT

   "I will correct thee in measure" Jer. 30:11

   To be left uncorrected would be a fatal sign: it would prove that the
   Lord had said, "He is given unto idols, let him alone." God grant that
   such may never be our portion! Uninterrupted prosperity is a thing to
   cause fear and trembling. As many as God tenderly loves He rebukes and
   chastens: those for whom He has no esteem He allows to fatten
   themselves without fear, like bullocks for the slaughter. It is in love
   that our heavenly Father uses the rod upon His children.

   Yet see, the correction is "in measure": He gives us love without
   measure, but chastisement "in measure." As under the old law no
   Israelite could receive more than the "forty stripes save one, which
   ensured careful counting and limited suffering, so is it with each
   afflicted member of the household of faith--every stroke is counted. It
   is the measure of wisdom, the measure of sympathy, the measure of love,
   by which our chastisement is regulated. Far be it from us to rebel
   against appointments so divine. Lord, if thou standest by to measure
   the bitter drops into my cup, it is for me cheerfully to take that cup
   from thy hand, and drink according to thy directions, saying "Thy will
   be done."