Though I wanted to be a good son, if I’m honest, I have to admit I didn’t always do what my father wanted. A father who cares about his children disciplines them, and rebukes are often a part of the discipline. “You didn’t do what I asked.” “You disappointed me.” “I trusted you, and you have broken this trust.” Perhaps we can remember the stern look from a parent. Perhaps we can still feel the sting of correction. Age and wisdom makes us thankful for these rebukes, for such words were signs of love.
Though we want to be pleasing children of God, if we’re honest, we have to admit we don’t always live as we should. The caring Father in Heaven also disciplines His children, and rebukes are a part of that discipline. As God walked the earth in the Person of Jesus Christ, He often rebuked those He loved. “Quit arguing about who is greatest. If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” “Unless you people see miracles you will never believe.” “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” “Peter, put away your sword.” The wise are thankful for rebukes, for such words are signs of love.
I used to tell players, “If a coach gets onto you hard; if he singles you out and yells and carries on… be thankful. He cares! A coach isn’t going to expend such energy on someone he doesn’t think can be better.” Such speeches didn’t make players enjoy being scolded, but I think I told the truth.
If we listen to Jesus today, I imagine we will hear the most common rebuke He gave his disciples. It is the same one He gave the bold disciple who walked on the water. Peter must have had the greatest faith that day, for he got out of the boat and answered the call to do the impossible. But we don’t hear Jesus praise him. Instead, we hear a perfect Coach challenge His player, “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?” Jesus often gave such rebukes. “Believe!” “O unbelieving generation! How long shall I be with you?” “How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me?”
So as the bombs fall and the nations rage, what do the children of God do? If we take our eyes off of Jesus, we’ll sink just like Peter did. Some may sink in fear, as uncertainty rules the day. Others may sink in pride, thinking their nation is all-powerful. But Jesus says, “Keep your eyes on Me… and believe!”
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:8-14