Main Scriptures: 1 Sam.2:24
More Scriptures: Ps.23:1,4, Pr.29:17, Pro.29:15
Let us take the twenty-fourth capsule.
Capsule 24: WHATEVER YOU TOLERATE AS THE HUSBANDMAN, YOUR FAMILY WILL CELEBRATE
For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knoweth, because his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not. (1Sam.3:13)
The Scripture in 1 Samuel chapter 3 is the story of Eli, which we started to look at yesterday. I want you to note these words. His sons made themselves vile and he (Eli) restrained them not. From these words, you will discover that Priest Eli tolerated the excesses of his children. He knew that his sons were vile, but he did not do anything to correct them. This is the area you and I as shepherds must focus our attention if we want to retain our heritage as godly husbandmen. Let’s read this verse of Scripture together. To discipline a child produces wisdom (Pro.29:15). To restrain or correct your sheep is godly. Do not allow the world system for freedom influences you and your sheep. This is because a child left to himself shall bring disgrace to you.
As the good shepherd, God commands you to lead your sheep. And in leading your sheep, you must not spare the rod. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…….for thou art with me, and thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Ps.23:1,4). The staff is for direction and guidance. The rod is for correction. And the proof that you love your sheep is to chastise them when they go off track. You must understand that the success or failure of your sheep rest squarely with you, their shepherd. You must love your sheep with the love of Christ, but you must not tolerate iniquity. You must correct them when they are in the wrong. If you tolerate sin, your sheep will celebrate sin. They will see nothing wrong in it. If you tolerate righteousness, they will celebrate righteousness.
But why must I discipline my sheep? Firstly, when you discipline your sheep, they bring you joy now and in the future. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother (Pro.10:1). Joy is an important virtue you need to remain the good and godly shepherd. It is what keeps you hopeful in the face of challenges. Rest to your spirit and to your soul is what you need now and in old age. You don’t want to live and grow in regrets the same way Priest Eli did. Secondly, when you discipline your sheep, it brings you rest. Discipline your son and he will give you rest, he will bring delight to your soul (Pro.29:17). Thirdly, your sheep becomes wise and full of the wisdom of God. The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame (Pro.29:15.21). Wisdom is the principal thing that your sheep needs. So, when you discipline your sheep, they learn and grow to become a people that know how to conduct themselves in the fear of the Lord.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, have mercy upon me for not restraining my sheep by Your word.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, give me the boldness to correct my wife and children in the fear of the Lord.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower my sheep to receive corrections and be willing to make positive changes.
FAITH CONFESSION
I restrain and discipline my wife and children in the fear and admonition of the Lord because that is what makes me the good and godly shepherd in Jesus name. Amen.
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