All the afflictions, troubles, and trials – Thomas Brooks

“Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.” Micah 6:9

It is God who appoints the rod, and ordains it to do what service He pleases. It is God who has an active hand, in all the afflictions which come upon His people.

“Heed the rod,” that is, “believe the report the rod makes.”

The rod reports, that of all evils sin is the greatest evil; and that of all bitters, sin is the greatest bitter. Oh believe the report of the rod! The rod reports, that God is angry, that God is displeased. Oh believe its report! The rod reports the creature to be mere vanity and vexation of spirit. Oh believe its report! The rod reports our nearest and dearest comforts, contentments, and enjoyments to be mixed, mutable, and momentary. Oh believe its report! The rod reports . . .
sin to be vile, and
the world to be vain, and
heaven to be glorious, and
Christ to be most precious!
Oh believe its report!