Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

PROSPER

April 26, 2013

When we say someone is "prospering," what do we mean? What does it look like, what are elements of prospering?

So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, a descendant of Iddo.
                                                  --Ezra 6:14 TNIV

King Darius orders the re-starting of the building project, the rebuilding of the Temple. Life returns to "good." Materially, the exiles are prospering, in their homes and a few dollars in their pockets. That's all good. But note that when we are given an update on the prospering clearly it is noted that their lives with God were prospering, their devotion to God, their dedication to the Word of God. Their pastor was doing his job (Haggai), but also so were the people; they were attentive to their God.

"Prosper" runs the risk of being reduced to having a job and a few bucks in the pocket. Surely good things, but a long way from prospering in reality.

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson