In the presence of God, Job anticipates, as it were, the experience of Paul (Phil. 3:4-9), and the problem is solved. The principal lesson is essentially that “The godly are afflicted that they may be brought to self-knowledge and self-judgment.” Such afflictions are not penal for their sins, but remedial and purifying. The book of Job affords a sublime illustration of the truth announced in:

• 1 Corinthians 11:31-32—For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world
• Hebrews 12:7-11—If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Best of all, such self-knowledge and self-judgment is the prelude to greater fruitfulness (John 15:2). *Culled from Bible Hub

1. Joshua 5:13-14;
2. Ezekiel 1:28; 2:1-3;
3. Daniel 10:5-11; and
4. Revelation 1:17-19

May we grow up in the light of these lessons. Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele