The Rod

My children, this is what I want to tell you.
Listen carefully, heed My words, follow it through.
I am your Father and you are My sweet child.
Hear My heart beat, for all of you, I gladly died.

I placed My heart in your hands, look for it well,
My love for you is far beyond what you can tell.
I am easily hurt by your thoughts and actions,
When you take your eyes off Me, making your own decisions.

Do you think I could ever be a truant father?
I am always beside you, My love will never falter.
There are times I would give you the rod to discipline,
Hearken what it says, learn the lessons from within.

It pains me to see you suffer when I correct your way,
But my child, you cannot be spoiled lest they take you away.
When too much is given and your actions are not sieved,
The enemy will steal you from Me and I will be grieved.

I love you so much to allow that from happening,
Instead I will allow you to think I am withdrawing.
But My child, always remember that I am here,
My eyes never leave you, at all times never fear.

Listen to the rod, listen to it very carefully,
Learn the lesson, bear the cross with humility.
Take heed that your heart never complains or murmurs,
I die again and again to bear the agony of your slurs.

Your complaints reach me and pain me so much,
Didn't I give you sufficient grace to endure such?
What more can you ask that I did not give?
Remember I have died in order to make you live.

What do you not understand when I said, "I love you"?
But this love brings discipline and correction too!
To whom much is given, much is also required,
Compare not yourself to others, your differences wide.

For always you will see, others higher or lower,
But does knowing this make you any better?
Let's look at each other, don't lose sight of me,
Bear your cross, listen to the rod with all humility.

My children, this is what I want to tell you.
Listen carefully, heed my words, follow it through.
I am your Father, you are my sweet child,
Hear my heart beat, for all of you, I gladly died.

Kaye Tobias-Mendoza (By the Grace of the Lord)