Whose Child are You?

Daily Devotional – Friday, July 21, 2023
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
Deuteronomy 8:5 (NIV)

The old bus was on its way to the city from the countryside. Two more hours and the tired passengers would reach their destination. Suddenly, an angry voice pierced the heavy silence. “Whose child are you? Where is your mother?”

Like Mother Like Daughter

Everyone, including those who had been napping, turned to the back of the bus where an enraged middle-aged man was addressing a five-year-old girl. The child had emptied a bottle of soft drink on the man’s lap.

As the angry man and the girl’s mother argued, many of the passengers weighed in, some directly, and others choosing to chat with those occupying adjacent seats. There was consensus that the girl’s behaviour was a result of poor upbringing and reflected the parents’ character and attitude.

The Lord Disciplines His Children

Whenever people inquire about the parent of a child, it is often because the child exhibits one form or another of uncultured behaviour. However, the question can also emanate from a child’s exemplary character. Society expects parents to model good behaviour and to bring up children who fit in the society, and this may demand a strict discipline regime.

Like the perfect Parent He is, God, too, wants His children to exhibit His character. Because He is our Father, He has the right to administer discipline on His children. He says, “Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.” (Deuteronomy 8:5).

A Father’s Discipline

For the Israelites, God administered discipline in the wilderness school. He allowed them to go through hardship as a strategy of humbling them and establishing whether they would remain faithful to Him. (Read Deuteronomy 8:3).

God also allowed His people to suffer hunger then provided Manna (angels’ food) for their sustenance. In addition, He ensured their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell for the forty years they were in the desert. (Verse 4).

Whose Child Are You?

God met the needs of the Israelites but also withdrew some blessings when necessary. Whether they had enough or they lacked, God was chastening them to rely on Him fully. The process of inculcating godly virtues was often painful, but it was necessary.

By allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell and work in us, we develop the kind of character that the world can marvel about. As God’s children, we must endeavour to make Him proud though our speech and character. Let us model Christ so well that when people ask “Whose child is this?”, it will be because they are attracted to our Father Who has brought up such well-behaved children.

Prayer
Dear God, You are my Father. I am your child. Dwell in me that I may make you a proud Parent.