241. Blessing, Riches, Honor
2 Chronicles 17:3, 4, 5 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents, and he had riches and honour in abundance.
One would think that it would have been easy to learn the lesson: Love God alone and walk in His ways, and it will be well with you and you will be blessed. This lesson is taught throughout the Scriptures, and many biblical figures show us by example, either negatively or positively. But we are stubborn, prideful sinners who won’t learn the lesson. Out of almost 40 kings of Israel and Judah, only six did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, having a heart for God. Those kings, and their kingdoms, were blessed. Why couldn’t the other 33 learn that? Why can’t we?
Jehoshaphat was one of the few good kings. He walked in the first ways of David. (Note that even David did not walk uprightly in his later years.) He did not worship the Baal demon gods, but he sought the Lord. He obeyed the Law, and did not live like the world lives. The result was a secure kingdom in addition to abundant riches and honor.
We who believe in Jesus Christ do not walk fully in the Commandments of God’s Word, but we do repent and seek the Lord. By faith in Christ we are accounted righteous with a perfect heart. Therefore, we may expect the blessings to follow us all the days of our life and to dwell in God’s house forever. When we fail, we repent quickly; when we are offended or hurt, we forgive instantly; when we fall, we get up again and again.
Therefore, because of Christ and the Gospel God is with us; He is present to bless, to hear our prayers, and do good things for us; He establishes the kingdom of God in our hearts, granting eternal life daily: and He provides spiritual riches and honor in abundance. We actually have been given so much abundance that we cannot receive or hold it all at one time; we will need eternity to appreciate and keep hold of all the riches of God’s glory in us.