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Job continues on his theme of questioning why the wicked get away with so much. To the theology his friends have adopted, it makes no sense for Job to question this if he is guilty. He is calling out judgment for those who continue to mock and ignore God with their lives. Why has God waited to punish them but allowed this suffering to overcome Job?
I was reminded of a few verses that illustrate this point.
Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share his holiness. 11 When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life.
Hebrews 12:10-11 GNB
All discipline seems painful, but what is produced afterward? Peace and righteousness. Do you need more peace in your life? Do you want to be more like Jesus? The pathway to peace and righteousness involves a trek through the valley of God’s discipline. Peace and righteousness are also qualities we cannot produce on our own. These mysterious blessings spring forth in our lives after we persevere through the pain and struggle.
What does this mean practically?
After our time of discipline, we grow to hate sin and love holiness. That sin that has plagued us for so long no longer holds the same power over us because we have been through the storms of life and seen the faithful hand of God. Rebellion turns to obedience. The chastening of God turns the soul toward spiritual matters – Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and humble service. Ultimately, this process leads to true joy.
This Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. As Abraham was coming back from the battle in which he defeated the four kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek’s name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”)
Hebrews 7:1-2 GNB
Jesus is the King of righteousness and peace! If we want to be like Him, we must submit to His hand of discipline. It will not be pleasant and comfortable, but it will echo into spiritual places.