( Hebrews 12 v 5&6 )
One close friend has recently had a bit of a fight
With the Tax Man.
There was an overpayment of tax, and so they owed him.
There was no dispute.
However, after 6 months and the promised cheque didn't materialise, he called them and asked why..
Apparently, a series of reasons were given as to the hold up
But it was the latest one that, when the story was told to me, got me thinking.
He was told that his payment had been issued, but had then been "selected for special testing", so there would be a further delay
Special testing?
I seemed to remember that the writer to the Hebrews said something about this.
Something of value, going through a process....called discipline ( v 7 )
Now, everyone is disciplined
But, if our view is not skewed, we will see this for what it really is
A loving Father training his sons
For what?
A harvest of righteousness and peace ( v 11).
Lots and lots of righteousness, lots and lots of peace.
At this time of year we need to remind ourselves
That this harvest is not only for our consumption, but also for others
Because harvests are for distributing.
Just imagine.
Many sons and daughters, receiving the "special testing", full of right relationship with the Father
Full of peace
Given out into a world, sick with worry about everything.
Bringing the Father's love and peace wherever they go.
(See Revelation 22, v 1& 2).