But the meek shall inherit the earth
; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace”- Psalm
37:11); and, unfortunately, only extreme suffering can successfully turn a man into a meek and humble
person.
In fact, the more God is pleased with a man, the more He crushes him with suffering, for Scripture says,
“
The Lord was greatly pleased with [him, hence] He crushed him by disease
(Isaiah 53:10).
Thus, chastisements (sufferings) are good for the believer, and that’s why Scripture teaches that three great
treasures (Torah, the Land of Canaan, and Life in the World to come) were bestowed upon Israel as a result
of chastisements and suffering.
And what is the proof for the Torah? The verse that goes on to say: “
Blessed is the man whom thou
chastenest
, O Lord,
and [thereby] teachest him thy Torah
”- Psalm 94:12.
And the proof for the land of Canaan? The verse that goes on to say: “As a man chasteneth his son, so
the
Lord thy God chasteneth thee
...”- Deut. 8:5. And what comes immediately next? “For
the Lord thy God
bringeth thee into a good land [the land of Canaan]
...”- Deut. 8:7.
And the proof for Life everlasting? The verse that goes on to say: “For the commandment is a lamp, and the
Law is light; and
reproofs of instruction are the way of life [everlasting]
”- Proverbs 6:23.
God’s purpose for mankind
The relation between human beings and their Creator might be loosely described as that of a super advanced
alien scientist, and his newly created lab specimens. In other words, picture a scientist belonging to an alien
race so incredibly advanced that it not only exist on a higher dimensional realm, but can fold time/space and
even turn raw energy into living matter.
Now, suppose this super advanced alien scientist decides to create a thing called “physical life”-- say, the first
ever colony of single celled bacteria.
In addition, suppose that the scientist long term goal is to guide the evolution of his dumb bacteria colony
unto a point where the latter becomes as wise, as kind, and as enlightened as it’s creator. Under such
circumstances, what would be the very first thing he ought to teach his primitive creatures? Well, for starters,
he needs to teach them not to destroy themselves!
And, although God is infinitely more kind, wise, and powerful than what any alien being could ever be, that’s
426
exactly what God does with mankind. Thus, Scripture states the Creator’s main desire is for man to be
humble, and love Him by showing kindness, justice, and mercy to his suffering fellow men.
As is written: “
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