247. Prosper
2 Chronicles 26:5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.
Uzziah, king of Judah, enjoyed a long and good reign in the years before Isaiah was called to be a prophet. As long as the prophet Zechariah was around him he sought the Lord, and the Lord blessed him and his long rule. God made him prosper. This chapter goes on to list all the wealth of the kingdom and all the ways in which Uzziah prospered. The list is extensive; the prosperity is widespread.
Uzziah is an example for us of the benefits of seeking the Lord. The rewards are enormous. There is no direct promise in this verse for us, but it exemplifies the many conditional promises about prosperity given to us in the Scriptures. “Seeking the Lord” is a common admonition in the Bible and it is usually attached with blessing and prosperity. The Lord wants us to know that there is reward in seeking Him with all our hearts. The prosperity comes in varied ways: there is always a sure reward and consequence spiritually; there is not always a prosperous outcome in material wealth and physical blessings. Earthly prosperity does come to those who seek the Lord, but it is not guaranteed. Physical prosperity often comes as a result of spiritual prosperity, but not always in the way we think it should. Either way, if we seek the Lord and His Kingdom first and only in all things, then invisible prosperity does flood our soul and we are spiritually healthy and strong.
“Seeking the Lord” means “believing God.” It means, “fearing, loving and trusting in God alone above all things.” It means obeying the First Commandment: “Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind.” When we do so, then we are more likely to keep the other Commandments and the blessings come into effect. We sinners fail, of course, but that does not diminish the truth. Jesus forgives our failure and lives His life in us. It is not so easy to just glibly say, “I believe God.” But the Spirit helps us. Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ, the Gospel. Therein is the power.
Unfortunately, the rest of Uzziah’s story doesn’t turn out so well. Pride crept in and he was lifted up to his destruction: he burnt incense in the temple, usurping the role of the Priest. God struck him with leprosy, and he died a leper. What happened? He sought himself, not the Lord.