Then You Will Kiss It!
When we see God's loving hand in our affliction, we'll no longer murmur under it, but instead, we'll kiss it.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of viewing afflictions as instruments of love from our Heavenly Father. He encourages Christians to recognize that, like Jesus, we should accept our trials with gratitude, understanding that they are meant for our growth and discipline. By seeing the rod of affliction in the context of God's love, we can embrace our hardships rather than complain about them. This perspective transforms our pain into a source of sweetness and kindness from God.
Text
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline." Revelation 3:19
Christian! Always look on the rod of affliction, in conjunction
with the hand which holds it. Thus Jesus did, "Shall I not
drink the cup that My Father has given Me to drink?"
Though the cup was a bitter cup, a bloody cup--yet seeing
it was put into His hand by His Father, He drinks it off, with
a "Father, I thank You."
The rod in itself brings nothing but pain to the child; but the
rod in the hand of a father brings nothing but love, kindness,
and sweetness. You should never look upon the rod of affliction,
but as it is in the hand of your heavenly Father--and then you
will kiss it, rather than murmur under it!
Sermon Outline
- Understanding Affliction
- Looking at the Hand
- Kissing the Rod
- When we see God's hand, we'll see His love
- We'll no longer murmur under affliction
Key Quotes
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” — Thomas Brooks
“Shall I not drink the cup that My Father has given Me to drink?” — Thomas Brooks
“Father, I thank You.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Look for God's love and purpose in the midst of your struggles.
- Trust that God is working all things for your good.
- Focus on God's loving presence in your life.