Sermon Central
-
Whom God Loves, He Chastens
Contributed by Clark Tanner on May 15, 2009 (message contributor)
WHOM GOD LOVES, HE CHASTENS
George MacDonald was a 19th century orator and story-writer who C.S. Lewis once called his master as relates to story-telling and relating truth through fantasy.
One of MacDonald’s short stories was titled, "The Gifts of the Child Christ." The main character of the story is little six-year-old Sophy, who lived in a home with her nurse and two parents. There were all wrapped in their own self-centered world and went about their days coming and going with hardly an indication they were aware Sophy existed. The most attention she received was irritation when her presence or her basic needs as a child were injected into their separate and selfish routines.
In church one Sunday, Sophy had sat quietly as always and listened to the preacher drone on. She understood little of all this adult monologue, but one thing that stayed with her was the declaration that whom the Lord loves, He chastens. And ever after that morning Sophy wished and even prayed that the Lord would chasten her so that she would know He loved her.
As MacDonald relates the story he tells of Sophy, ignored and lonely, sitting in her little rocking chair in her room beginning to read a senseless little children’s book but quickly losing interest in it; he goes on, "But she did not read far; her thoughts went back to a phrase which had haunted her ever since first she went to church: 'Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth.'"
"I wish he would chasten me," she thought for the hundredth time.
The small Christian had no suspicion that her whole life had been a period of chastening – that few children indeed had to live in such a sunless atmosphere as hers.
Source: The Gifts of the Child Christ, G. MacDonald, Eerdman’s Pub. Reprinted from The Gifts of the Child Christ and Other Tales, 1882
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
An American Missionary Was Traveling Across Korea ... PRO
Contributed by George Rennau on Aug 25, 2003
An American missionary was traveling across Korea by train. At a busy station an old man boarded and sat across from Him. The man was Korean and he addressed the American in his native tongue. The Missionary responded in the only Korean phrase that he knew which was "I DON’T UNDERSTAND". A ...read more
-
The Bible Tells The Story Of Absalom. He Was ... PRO
Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Aug 28, 2005
The Bible tells the story of Absalom. He was the son of King David — Israel’s greatest king. Through a series of circumstances, Absalom began to despise his father and made plans to become king in his father’s place. He surreptitiously sowed seeds of division and rebellion in his father’s ...read more
-
Jim Cymbala Stated This About Unlocking God's ... PRO
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 9, 2005
Jim Cymbala stated this about unlocking God’s blessing from his book Break Through Prayer: According to Scripture, God’s blessing can rest on both men and women, because with God there is no gender bias. His blessing can rest on a family, a child, or even unborn offspring. It can prosper a local ...read more
-
The Political Convention Was In Chaos. Each ... PRO
Contributed by George Rennau on Aug 25, 2003
The political convention was in chaos. Each delegation wanted something different. Some favored states rights, others wanted a stronger central government. Larger states wanted greater representation, and small states wanted an equal voice. Debate dragged on and on. Finally the committee ...read more
-
Whenever I'm Tempted To Whine About The Demands ...
Contributed by Curtis Deming on Apr 16, 2005
Whenever I’m tempted to whine about the demands of leadership, I think of the story of Timothy. He had just heard Paul deliver the report of the Jerusalem Council that circumcision was unnecessary for Gentile converts. Yet Paul circumcised Timothy to avoid offending the Jews in the area. Timothy ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Almost Drowned By Life’s Distractions
Contributed by Spencer Miller on Apr 27, 2013
One of the worst and most serious of all life’s distractions is our fears which may momentarily cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus.
-
Persecution - Are My Hands Clean? Series
Contributed by Rev. Saeed Richardson on Sep 9, 2007
What comes to your mind when you think of persecution? What are some of the thoughts and images? What are some of the actions and deeds?
-
Where Ravens Fly
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Dec 4, 2010
Using experiences from the life of Elijah the prophet, this message seeks to show that the ravens of God’s provision fly in the worst of conditions, and the direst of circumstances.
-
When Life Isn't Fair Series
Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 1, 2011
When life is unfair, put your faith in the Lord; be faithful to Him; and if things get worse, keep your faith in the Lord. Don’t stop trusting the One, the only One, who is absolutely trustworthy.
-
Dragon Slayer
Contributed by Doane Brubaker on Jun 29, 2007
Jesus has the authority, power and desire to help us overcome the problems that overwhelm us.
