Monday night, which was our first night in the new home, was a rather interesting evening in the Medley household. The house was a disaster because we could not unpack. Our children did not take much of a nap, which meant that unpacking was extremely slow. Mom and dad were really tired but chose to stick to the bedtime routine. I read Brandt his Bible story, we prayed, and I put him in bed. After a few songs, I told him that I loved him, got up, and left the room. That's when the "fun" for the evening began.
He got up so many times. Erin and I alternated dealing with him, and I was the "designated hammer" that brought discipline to the situation. I asked him if he thought this was fun (because it was killing me) and he said "No." When asked what he must do to avoid the discipline, his response was right on the money: "Stay in Brandt's bed." He knew what he needed to do but chose otherwise. This "dance" continued for nearly 3 hours and it was breaking my heart (while my wife was in the bed room crying). Finally, he went to sleep; and this issue has not recurred later in the week.
How does this story apply to the title? In the midst of the getting-out-of-bed issue, I read my Bible and started the book of Zechariah. Verse 1 contains a plea from God: "Return to me and I will return to you." The remainder of the opening section details why God was displeased with His children -- He sent prophet after prophet to get His people to change their ways, but they refused to obey. Thus, verse 7 shows us that "according to our ways and according to our deeds, so has He dealt with us."
The words of that short passage became so real through the experience I was having with my son. As I pondered the Scripture and situation, I gained an understanding of how I make God feel. Verse 1 says that the word of the Lord came to Zechariah. Just because God speaks does not mean that we listen. Our ears must be tuned to hear, which implies that we are willing to change based upon the words received. He has provided me the guide with which to live my life, yet I choose not to stand upon Sola Scriptura. Instead, I plot my own way and make a huge mess of things, which means I have to experience the correction of God.
If God can use children to teach us valuable lessons, just think how much more His Word can teach us -- if we read and heed it.
