JEHOVAH MAKKEH Part 2

As we observed earlier, the name, Jehovah Makkeh, means God our smiter, corrector, or instructor.  God uses many methods to teach us: His Word, Holy Spirit, and our life circumstances. When these do not produce a change in us, God may  use discipline as a way of correcting or changing our path. His correction is with love and meant for our eternal benefit, to bring His plan for our life into fulfillment.  First Peter 5:10 tells us, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts His blessing and favor], Who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]”

God gives us this promise in Hebrews 12:5-6, “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you.  For the Lord disciplines those He loves,    and He punishes each one He accepts as his child.”  It goes on to say in verses 10-11 : “But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”

Jesus lovingly reminds us of this in Revelation 3:19, “Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will].”   Jehovah Makkeh wants us to set our hearts on His plan, not ours.

I want to emphasize, God’s correction is motivated by His love for us.  When left to our own ways, we are on a path to destruction. His love for mankind is so immense that He allowed His only Son to take our ultimate punishment, which is death, for the sins we have commited.  Jesus took our penalty of death when He died on the cross in our place. He was smitten for our sake. I encourage you to read Isaiah 53 which gives a vivid picture of all Jesus has done for us.

Father, I pray that each person that reads this will surrender completely to You and allow You to change and mold them into who You have created them to be.  We acknowledge that our ways bring destruction and death, but Your ways bring life, peace, and healing.