February 9: 2 Chronicles 14

Revival May Occur During Times of Prosperity

After Abijah’s reign of three years, marked by war with Jeroboam and Israel, Asa came to the throne of Judah and experienced a decade of peace. This is described in 2 Chronicles 14:1-8, where the word “undisturbed” is used three times and “rest” twice to describe the state of affairs in Judah. The word “rest” is the same word used in Psalm 23 where the Shepherd “leads me beside still (quiet) waters.” The absence of war and the presence of God’s blessing brought great prosperity “because the LORD had given him rest” (verse 6).

This is his word to the people:

“For he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.” (2Ch 14:7, NAS95)

Contrast this with the response of Uzziah:

“But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2Ch 26:16, NAS95)

Prosperity can point us toward God or embolden us to turn away from God.

If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper. I make it a practice to read the Bible through once every year.

Daniel Webster

 It’s what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.

Adrian Rogers

God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

Randy Alcorn

 People are usually better in adversity, than prosperity. A prosperous condition is not always so safe. True, it is more pleasing to the flesh – but it is not always best. In a prosperous state, there is more burden. Many look at the shining and glittering of prosperity – but not at the burdens of prosperity.

Thomas Watson

APPLICATION

Oh, if we could only recognize God’s hand of blessing during times of prosperity. If we could only recognize that this is the result of seeking the LORD (three times this phrase is mentioned). God has blessed the United States of America. We have enjoyed great prosperity and the highest standard of living in the world. We have been blessed beyond measure, yet we have failed to realize that these blessings are not the result of our hard work, our effort, our might, or our intelligence. We are the recipients of God’s richest blessings. We have taken these blessings for granted, expected them to continue even though we have forsaken God, and are beginning to see what it is like for God to withdraw His blessing. His harshest judgment comes as He gives us over to the consequences of our sin and disobedience (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). The time is ripe for repentance. We could have experienced revival during the prosperity, had we recognized its Source, but if we continue on our present course, revival will be the only thing that can save us from experiencing His anger.