Who Does God Smite?

Does God smite? Yes, He does (Ezekiel 7:9)

Who does God smite? His children (Hebrews 12:6)

Why does God smite?

• To save from hell (Proverbs 23:13,14)

• To make us PARTAKERS of his holiness (Hebrews 12:10).

God strikes Israel because they sinned against God (Isaiah 57:17). Israel was greedy. (1 Timothy 6:17) Never put your trust in uncertain riches. A man tries to gain as much wealth as possible, even though he has no one to leave it behind for (Ecclesiastes 4:7,8). I am exhausted by the blows of thine hand (Psalms 39:10).

Israel never turned to God despite punishments (Isaiah 9:13). We should be people who continue to seek God during trials. Stay in your place, and don't quit, when leaders punish you (Ecclesiastes 10:4). Our enemies - Satan, flesh and the world are always trying to push us out of God's presence.

WHERE DOES GOD STRIKE?

It's often said, 'Strike, but below the knee.'

CONSCIENCE

David's conscience was smitten because he cut Saul's robe (1 Samuel 24:5)

HEART

Discipline makes the heart pure (Proverbs 20:30). When God disciplines and we accept it, we grow in holiness.

BODY

God punishes and heals (Hosea 6:1-3). Sometimes, like Job, we may get smitten with sickness in our bodies. But God eventually heals us.

When God strikes us, it's a blessing. Don't resist God's discipline, dear child of God. Soon, we'll be with Him forever.

Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.