Rebuke

“You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands.” (Psalm 119:21)

No one likes to be rebuked but we all need to be rebuked at one time or another. Many times we have felt that we are strong and we do not take heed to the Word of God. Our pride blinds our eyes and we need to be rebuked. Sometimes it is by another person just as Paul rebuked Peter before the church in Antioch. Sometimes it is by the Word of God.

When Paul wrote to his young friend and associate, Timothy, he said, “All scripture is God breathed and is useful in teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” II Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible has a great deal to say about rebuking. The Lord Jesus said, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” Revelation 3:19 If we sin it is a mark of love if we are rebuked by the Lord. We need to examine ourselves to see why we are being rebuked and correct our errors.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, apart from our Lord Himself, said, “Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you.” Proverbs 9:8 When we are rebuked by the Lord, how do we respond? If we are wise it will bring us closer to the Lord. When Peter was rebuked by Paul he accepted it and later in his ministry he calls hi, “our dear brother Paul.” II Peter 3:15

If you are proud, the Word of God will be a rebuke to you. We need to listen to that rebuke and be wise.