Title
Outside the Sheepfold
Scripture
Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die.
(Proverbs 15:10)
Devotional
Before one can forsake the “Way,” he or she has to be in the “Way.” The “Way” according to the book of Acts is the church. God loves us enough to harshly discipline us for getting out from under His merciful care. When a sheep leaves the fold, the good shepherd will harshly discipline that sheep with his staff. He does so to protect the sheep from wolves and other predators. Our text clearly instructs that id the sheep continues to forsake the sheepfold, not heeding the shepherd’s correction, will eventually die. Do you find yourself under the harsh hand of discipline? First of all realize you are there because God loves you. The Bible is clear, “If you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” Secondly, you are there because you are outside of the fold. Get back under the authority of the great Shepherd. Get back to church.