Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 25:1-28:27

Prosperous and Powerful

Thursday, May 20, 2010

King Uzziah and King Jotham were kings in Judah. How did these two kings of Judah become prosperous and powerful? Read the verses below and the portions in other translations.

(King Uzziah) He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper. (2 Chronicles 26:5 ESV)

… As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success. (NIV)

… As long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him (NASB)  

(King Jotham) So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God. (2 Chronicles 27: 6 ESV)

… because he walked steadfastly before the Lord. (NIV)

… because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God. (NLV)

What is the answer? First they sought the Lord. Second they walked in obedience to God  by walking steadfastly before God, by organizing their lives (or ordering their ways) before God, and by choosing to live in obedience.

What is the common thread? Seeking and Obeying! We are to Seek God in an intimate relationship and our obedience should be an out growth of our thanksfulness and praise for His grace and mercy given to us unearned. As parents we want our children to seek our counsel and obey our advice. God is our heavenly father and he desires an eternal relationship in which we are seeking him and obeying him.

Are you thankful for God’s blessings? Are you aware of his deep and great love for you?

Your sister in Christ,       

 Barbara

.     SISTERS OF THE BOOK     .

PS What is your take on 2 Chronicles 26:16-19? What did disobedience lead to?