Prosperity in all thingsSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: When you keep the Lord's commandments and do things according to His will, then the Lord will call you as His beloved. He will flourish you in all that you do and will bless you abundantly. 3 John 2 says, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." This is the Lord's desire for each one of us. He desires only one thing from us: that is we should be His 'beloved'.
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12,13)
When we keep His commandments, He fondly calls us, "My beloved!" Jesus Christ, God's only Son came into this sinful world in the form of a man and underwent all trials and tribulations that we face in our daily lives. To redeem us from sin, death and condemnation, He gave His divine body as a sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. On the third day, He rose again from the dead and ascended to Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father.
God sent His Son into this world that we may emulate His example and follow His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21). When Jesus lived in this world, His Father spoke of Him several times saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). When we follow His ways, the Lord will surely say this of us also. Let us examine our lives a little and see if it merits the Lord's commendation, "This is My beloved." The Lord will surely show us all the drawbacks and grants us the grace to discard them. He helps us to lead a righteous and god-fearing life.
You may ask, "How is it possible for me to live like Christ? He was the Son of God, God's own image. He could live a life pleasing to His Heavenly Father. But how can I live a life like Him in this wicked world? Just when I desire to live a righteous life, so many troubles arise to harass me. Just as I sit to read the Word of God or kneel down to pray in solitude so many troubles arises." This is quite true. It is during such trouble some period that our gracious Lord gives you His abundant grace.
The Lord assured His servant St.Paul saying, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (1 Corinthians 12:9). He has the same assurance for you also. It is for you to aspire to become 'His beloved'. He will grant you His abundant grace and will strengthen you. Do not be disheartened!
Daniel passed through so many trials and tribulations! But he never feared any of them. His eyes were ever set on the hills from whence came his help, from the Lord who made the heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1,2). So, no one could destroyed him. The angel Gabriel who was sent to him told him, "You are greatly beloved." If Daniel, a man like us could receive this blessed life, why is this not possible for you and me?
A poor man came to know about Christ. He read about His compassionate ministry in the Gospels. He studied the Bible intently and came to know more of His uniqueness. He was then weighed with a burden that He should proclaim to the world the unique Christ that he had discovered. He preached the love of Christ to the passers-by. As he read of the miracles that Jesus performed, he prayed in all humility that he should also receive such power. Accordingly, the Lord anointed him with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Further, He gave him earthly riches which he never desired or expected and made him to live a life of comfort and dignity.
According to the promise, "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22). The Lord confers His bounteous blessings on the children of His choice. This poor young man was one such person, but riches and comforts made no difference to him. His eyes were still set on the Lord and his mission to make Christ Jesus known to the whole world. So the Lord blessed him abundantly.
Dear friend, our Lord Jesus is watching over us. Are we concerned only in asking Him, "Lord, give me this; give me that." Should not we rather strive to do what we can to glorify His matchless name and receive His heavenly blessings? According to the promise, "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time" (Isaiah 60:22), He can make you flourish and prosper in all things that you do. Make the right decision now and make your life abound in joy forever.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Grant me Your abundant grace to abound in joy. Remove all obstacles that stand on my way from coming closer to You. Help me to prosper in all that I do. Let it not be for my fame or glory, but for the matchless glory of Your mighty name. Make me worthy to stand before You as Your beloved child. I humbly surrender myself in Your Holy presence and make this prayer in the mighty name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen. |