Abba,

Thank you for the grace of rebuke; the sting of correction.  What a grace it is to arrest our attention to our flawed self delusions of control, of goodness, and worthiness.  As appealing as those things may be, they are deadly dangerous delusions that lead to imminent and unrelenting peril apart from an intervention and awakening of truth.

It hurts, Abba.  It is uncomfortable.  It is embarrassing and shaming.  It is disappointing and even despairing to endure discipline and rebuke.  And yet, it is one of the most loving things we can endure; a true expression of grace and care from your hand.  The rebuke comes as a means of protection from the delusions that lead us by a neck collar to death.  The very thing we sought as a means of life and freedom is actually the very thing that enslaves and kills. 

What blindness we endure to the truth and reality of these dangers at times.

What light there is that exposes the truth and delivers us from such fate!

Yes, there is grace in rebuke that shines the light of truth upon the danger and that wrests us from the clutches and control of that which in the end brings harm.

Discipline, rebuke may well sting for a time but in the end, brings life.

Following our own course may well bring delight for a time but in the end brings death.

Thank you for your grace to reveal this.

Thank you for your grace that does not withhold rebuke, discipline….that loves well enough to rescue us from danger with a well placed sting of rebuke.

You truly are worthy of all praise, O Great God!