Friday "Light" - The Prosperous Man

**New**

"...and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go."  - 1 Kings 2:3

How would you describe a "prosperous" person? Naturally, we each have our own definitions or ideas of being prosperous. Most dictionaries define "prosperous" as being: successful in material terms. 

We often hear about prosperous nations, businesses, or even churches. No doubt, there are some individuals who are more prosperous than others; according to the interpretation given above.

All of this brings to mind Joseph, the deeply-loved son of Jacob in the Book of Genesis (chapters 35-50). His envious older half-brothers, however, did not share their father's empathy towards him. 

Unwittingly, they, by their attempt to cut Joseph out of the picture, actually aided him in eventually becoming much more "prosperous" than any one of them could ever imagine. 

Two important things to point out about Joseph was that: (1.) he always stood by God; and (2.) he always kept his faith despite all of the obstacles he encountered along the way, This was key to his prosperity (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God can come to us in many ways. He communicated to Joseph through his dreams. And He still speaks to us today by His Word, the Bible. God's Word provided all the confidence he needed when he needed it most.

There are those who believe in a corrupted version of prosperity. There's nothing wrong with being successful. In fact, God loves when His children "do good," as they say, But we must never put our prosperity ahead of His blessings (1 Timothy 6:9)!

Our real prosperity will not be realized while here on earth. That's what mkes it so difficult for people to understand. As we learn to follow and obey God, like Joseph, we move beyond a "temporary" prosperity to and closer to an "eternal" one.

True prosperity includes: our justice, relationships with others, including compassion and generosity, and being humble (Micah 6:8). Think of what Jesus taught and demonstrated while here on earth. 

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; James 1:17; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Joshua 1:8 

Prayer: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”  - Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)

Grace and blessings,

Margot