“The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him (Joseph), and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.” Genesis 40:23
Dear Ones:
In the Scriptures, we find several instances where God so blessed individuals, that they became very wealthy and successful. But is power, and wealth, the measure of true success? God blessed Abraham, and he became wealthy. God also blessed Job, however, God permitted that Satan deprive him of all of his children, and all that he had, even his health. Was he being successful then, and was he prosperous? What is the true measure and meaning of being prosperous and successful?
In Psalm 1, the Lord lays out the criteria for His blessing. The psalmist writes: “Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (v.1) That which God first reveals is the negative side of being truly successful. If one would have the blessing of God, and thus His favor, from a communion standpoint, then the believer will not entertain ungodly counsel. Secondly, he will not place himself in places where the perspective and ways of those who despise God are prevailing. And thirdly, he will not seek the company of those who scorn, disdain, and ridicule the things of God. Why does the psalmist say this? Though the believer is IN the world, he does not need to expose himself to that which does not contribute to faith. On the contrary, there are certain things that DO contribute to faith, and the manifest blessing of God. That which is primary, according to the Psalmist is: “… his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night..” (v.2) There is a reason for this persuasion, perception, and pursuit. The “law of the Lord,” that revelation of the truth of God, is essential if faith is to be exercised aright. God blesses His word, and the believer who lives according to it. What then is the result of such a life lived in this manner?
Again, the Psalmist comes to our aid with a promise from God: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.” (v.3) God gives stability to the believer, in mind and heart, for He gives His power according to His truth. Not only this, but there is the promise of fruitfulness, that bearing of good fruit in the life, first for the glory of God, and secondly, for the blessing of others. Another promise has to do with longevity, that continuing experience of “freshness” and spiritual strength and vitality, that will not “wither.” There will be the continuing evidence and manifestation of the life of the Spirit in and through the life. But what about “prospering?” What does this mean?
When Joseph was sold by his brothers into Egypt, to be the servant to Potiphar, we read that God gave him favor in the eyes of Potiphar, and blessed his house. Scripture tells us that, with respect to Joseph, “…the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.” (Gen. 39:3) This is a wonderful picture of Biblical prosperity, that of God intervening in the life, regardless of the “possessions” that one has, to enable the believer to know and do the will of God, in this case, to serve Potiphar faithfully. Later in the life of Joseph, he is in prison for doing what is right, and being wrongly accused. Again, the Lord was with Joseph, and “…that which he did, the Lord made to prosper.” (39:23) What is true prosperity and success here? It is receiving mercy from God, to be faithful to God in the place of His choosing. Joseph would eventually become like the prime minister of Egypt. The same principles that governed Joseph’s life in Potiphar’s house, in the prison, would continue when he became only second to Pharaoh in Egypt.
Dear Father, Give us to be lovers of Thy word, being faithful to Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad