Praise to our PROSPEROUS Lord
Behold, My servant will PROSPER,
He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted.
Are you familiar with “prosperity theology”? It’s defined as “a religious belief among some Christians, who hold that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one’s material wealth. If humans have faith in God, he will deliver security and prosperity.” *
However, Jesus didn’t teach or live that. He preached the gospel. He taught, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy… But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven,…” Mt 6:19-20. Jesus taught that we are to build our lives on Him. He is to be the foundation of our life, so we don’t collapse when floods destroy our homes. Lk 6:46-49
What does the Bible mean, then, when it says Jesus prospers? The Hebrew word in this verse means “success.” Although during Jesus’s life it appeared that He was doing anything but prospering, He was successfully accomplishing God’s will by securing our salvation.
As family, friends, and our world suffer devastating floods and earthquakes, it’s a somber time for us to consider what we’re building our lives on and for. Is it the here and now that can easily be destroyed? Or, are we instead, storing treasures in heaven that last eternally?
Lord Jesus, Prosperous One, thank You for successfully securing our salvation with You for eternity. Help those in harm’s way to find strength and security in You.