The Gift of Gentle Correction from Jesus
Gentle correction is such a gift.
The Bible teaches us that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1) but as humans it’s often something we need to be reminded of. You know who doesn’t need to be reminded of this? Jesus! No matter what we’ve done, we can be sure that Jesus will always welcome us back with love.
This morning, as soon as I opened my eyes, I was full of joy and had an upbeat song on my heart. One I hadn’t heard in awhile but I got God’s meaning loud and clear. It went
“Don't know why I run away / And fight Your loving arms / Keep You at a distance / When I need You in my heart / Oh oh, take my hand and lead me home“ (Need To Know You” by Rend Co. Kids).
Then later during prayer time, I felt a gentle nudge to soak while listening to the song. Often I find upbeat songs distracting so was slightly hesitant but am learning to obey whenever I think the Holy Spirit might be prompting me. So I did it and felt God reveal this image.
There was a beautiful rolling hill leading down to the water. Jesus was on the hill with sheep, everyone was relaxed and enjoying the sunny day. But me? I was at the edge of the water. Staring into the distance, just staring and staring and wanting answers. Jesus came to me and I felt he wanted me to go back to the hill. He had things for me to do and enjoy there. But I wasn’t ready to give up yet. I wanted him to tell me about my future. So I didn’t go back with him, just kept staring at the still water where nothing seemed to be happening. Eventually I return to Jesus, surrendered and asked him to comfort me because I knew I’d been stubborn and disobedient. And he did, he was always interceding for me, calling me back to him. He is so, so good.
*Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:34, NIV)
Jesus, King Jesus, intercedes for all of us. He loves me and he loves YOU! May we praise him and surrender to him today and always, trusting that he will always, always, always show us what we need to know / answer our prayers in his perfect way when the time is right. And so thankful that he treats us so gently as he leads us back to him.
