Our Grieving God
“In all their suffering, the LORD also suffered … (Isaiah 63:9a).
“This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” You may have heard that phrase growing up in a day when more parents spanked without fear of being charged with child abuse. Having heard it myself growing up, I can tell you, no child ever believes that line. With my dad, I didn’t believe this one either, “We’re not lost. It’s just over the next hill.” But years later many children became parents. They then began to understand the pain a father feels in disciplining his children in fitting and effective ways.
Throughout her troubled history Israel had frequently felt the LORD’s discipline. It was entirely her fault. His great goodness, extravagant compassion, love lavished were abundantly evident. “I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us - yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses” (Isaiah 63:7). Yet, the LORD brought chastisement.
In their great distress, God’s people complained. They questioned him, wanting to know where he was in their affliction (Isaiah 63:11-13). Calling to mind the good ole’ days when he saved and led, provided and blessed, they wondered where their great Savior had gone (Isaiah 63:18, 19). Apparently, it never occurred to them to ask, “Have we done anything to bring this upon ourselves?” Rather, like we so easily can do they asked, “Where is God? What is he doing?”
The answer was not that he was distant, though he had withdrawn. Nor had he written them off. Listen to this, “In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy, he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years” (Isaiah 63:9). Amazing. The LORD was a faithful father who disciplined those he loved, though it hurt him more than it hurt them! Not that his children believed this, but it was true.
Discipline is not designed for the benefit of the one handing it out. It is not a God given means of venting frustration. When properly administered discipline brings about the disciplined person’s reformation. A father’s love requires that they be reproved. But a father’s loving heart cannot help but feel the anguish of their suffering. We may not believe this with earthly fathers, but it is true of our heavenly Father. Every departure from the right, every failure of humanity to meet his ideal grieves him. Yet, he lovingly disciplines and has even saved us from our sin.
Five-year-old Charlie wrote a letter to God. It read: “Dear God, I do not think anyone could be a better God. You don’t let us get away with anything, but you really care. PS: I am not just saying this because you are God.” When discipline comes and it will - choose Charlie’s perspective.