April 30, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"And all the children of Israel murmured." — Numbers 14:2 · KJV

There are complainers among Christians now, just as there were in the camp of Israel long ago. When the rod falls, some cry out against the hardship God has sent. They ask, "Why am I being treated this way? What have I done to deserve discipline like this?" A word with you, complainer. Why should you grumble at what your heavenly Father sends? Can He possibly treat you more harshly than you deserve? Think what a rebel you once were, and yet He pardoned you. Surely, if in His wisdom He sees fit to correct you now, you have no ground to protest. And after all, are you struck as hard as your sins deserve? Consider the corruption still living in your heart, and then ask whether it is any wonder that so much of the rod is needed to draw it out. Weigh yourself and see how much worthless metal is mixed in with your gold; do you really think the fire is too hot to burn away all that? Does not that proud, rebellious spirit of yours prove your heart is not yet fully made holy? Are not those grumbling words the opposite of the humble, willing nature of God's children? Is the correction not needed? But if you insist on complaining against the discipline, be careful, for it goes hard with complainers. God always disciplines His children twice if they will not bear the first stroke patiently. Yet know this one thing: "He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." All His corrections are sent in love, to purify you and to draw you nearer to Himself. Surely it must help you bear the discipline with a settled heart if you can recognize your Father's hand in it. For "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons." "Murmur not as some of them also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer."