In speaking of God’s discipline, the writer of Hebrews quotes from Proverbs 3:11-12:
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)
The writer goes on to explain that God’s chastening is actually an indication that we are His children and not illegitimate, and that although this discipline is painful at the time, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Heb. 12:7-11)
We see in Numbers 27:12-23 how Moses responded to God’s discipline for his disobedience at the rock of Meribah. When God told him to give water to the people by speaking to the rock, he instead rebelled and struck the rock out of his anger toward the grumbling people. (Num. 1-13) His punishment was that he would not be able to enter the promised land. This was surely hard to take. Near the end of his life, God reiterated this punishment. In Numbers 27:12-22, Moses responded by asking God to set a capable leader over the people, so they would not be like sheep without a shepherd. Here was thinking about others more than himself.
We see another side to Moses’ response in Deuteronomy 3:23-28. He made a respectful plea to God to cross over into the promised land. God was angered at this request. Moses assigned this anger to the people’s actions, and not his disobedience. (see also Deut. 4:21-24) God then commanded Moses, Enough of that! Speak no more to Me of this matter. He instead let Moses see the land from the top of Pisgah.
With God’s help, may we accept God’s discipline without pointing fingers to the sins of others. God is showing His love to us and helping us grow into His likeness!