by Pastor Lynn Walker – Cowboy Country Church
4092 Norge Road – 405-320-0055

Chastisement by disease? 

(Hebrews 12:5-8) …my son, despise not thou the chastening (discipling) of the Lord nor faint (be discouraged) when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons (sons & daughters): for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, where of all are partakers, then are ye illegitimate and not sons.
There are several definitions of the word chastisement: one states that it is to rebuke or reprimand severely; another dated or old fashioned definition says that it is to punish, especially by beating or by disease. Thank God for the better covenant of the New Testament!! It is absolutely absurd that the Lord Jesus would chastise a born again Christian with torture and disease!!!. The real definition of chastisement used by our Lord Jesus is that it is to discipline and teach so as to correct wrong behavior and belief! And chastisement of the Lord comes to us with love by His Word!!
“For the Word of god is quick (full of life NOT death & disease) and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). Paul tells us in Romans 8:1 there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ!! Condemnation is reserved for nonbelievers and is subject to judgment in hell!! But conviction that comes from chastisement of the Word means to realize a firmly held belief or opinion is wrong and you need to change your belief or opinion to one that lines up with the word of God!!
Let chastisement do its work and grow closer to God and have a better life. Don’t ever blame God for punishment and disease. That stuff always falls under the realm of Satan. Just remember that God is always good and God always loves you!!! Blessings!!