Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the Lord by doing this, your child will die.”
After Nathan returned to his home, the Lord sent a deadly illness to the child of David and Uriah’s wife.
Then I pressed further, “What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations?
Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel.
How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever?
Joyful are those you discipline, Lord, those you teach with your instructions.
O Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but you punished them when they went wrong.
What is this?” asks the Lord. “Why are my people enslaved again? Those who rule them shout in exultation. My name is blasphemed all day long.
“From among all the families on the earth, I have been intimate with you alone. That is why I must punish you for all your sins.”
“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.
No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.