God may very well have a sense of humor – just look at the giraffe – but He does not joke around. God knew the Israelites well; they were part of His creation and He had made them His people. He had delivered them from slavery and returned them to the land He had first given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had guided them in the conquest of that land, going before them in battle as a warrior, and He had given them the victory.

And all He expected in return was their allegiance. He had told them – many times – how to live and that the consequences of disobedience would be the removal of His presence and His power.

Over and over again, God had made a very direct connection between Israel’s obedience and victory over their enemies. So it should have been no surprise that when the Israelites failed to do what He had called them to do – when they disobeyed – God merely did what He said He would do: His presence and power were removed and Israel was defeated by their enemies.

The faithfulness of God extends not only to His love and mercy, but to the consequences of sin. The God who is so faithful to provide, is just as faithful to discipline. Israel should have known this, and we should too.

How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in disciplining you for your disobedience?