We have built such a strong case against a “Prosperity Gospel” that some of us go to the other extreme. We act like we are digging a hole and burying ourselves in it, waiting for that future redemption. We love to claim that we are waiting for that “kingdom which cannot be shaken” in Hebrews 12:28-29, but we ignore the call in the same verses: “… let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.”. We love to throw dirt on ourselves and quote Hebrews 13:13-14: “So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” But, we ignore the call in the next verses: “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:15-18.
Although our ultimate goal is indeed this future redmption, we are called to offer an acceptable service here on earth.
Here is what our response to the current financial crisis should be.
First, we investigate the promises of God. What does God promise concerning prosperity? Here are a few verses from my keyword search.
” The LORD will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.
Deuteronomy 28:10-12 (in Context) Deuteronomy 28 (Whole Chapter)
His soul will abide in prosperity, And his descendants will inherit the land.
Psalm 25:12-14 (in Context) Psalm 25 (Whole Chapter)
Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”
Psalm 35:26-28 (in Context) Psalm 35 (Whole Chapter)
But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
Psalm 37:10-12 (in Context) Psalm 37 (Whole Chapter)
God makes a home for the lonely;He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
Psalm 68:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 68 (Whole Chapter)
That I may see the prosperity of Your chosen ones, That I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, That I may glory with Your inheritance.
Psalm 106:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 106 (Whole Chapter)
[ Prosperity of the One Who Fears the LORD. ] Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments.
Psalm 112:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 112 (Whole Chapter)
“May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces.”
Psalm 122:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 122 (Whole Chapter)
[ Prosperity Comes from the LORD. ] [ A Song of Ascents, of Solomon. ] Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.
Psalm 127:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 127 (Whole Chapter)
The LORD bless you from Zion, And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
Psalm 128:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 128 (Whole Chapter)
[ Prayer for Rescue and Prosperity. ] [ A Psalm of David. ] Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;
Psalm 144:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 144 (Whole Chapter)
[ Praise for Jerusalem’s Restoration and Prosperity. ] Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.
Psalm 147:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 147 (Whole Chapter)
Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.
Proverbs 13:20-22 (in Context) Proverbs 13 (Whole Chapter)
“Again, proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.” ‘
Zechariah 1:16-18 (in Context) Zechariah 1 (Whole Chapter).
Second, we pray. “O LORD, do save, we beseech You; O LORD, we beseech You, do send prosperity!” Psalm 118:25 – Psalm 118:24-26 (in Context) – Psalm 118 (Whole Chapter).
“Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”
“Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.”
“1 Praise the LORD!
How blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
Who greatly delights in His commandments.
2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright;
He is gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends;
He will maintain his cause in judgment.
6 For he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be remembered forever.
7 He will not fear evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear,
Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.
9 He has given freely to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted in honor.
10 The wicked will see it and be vexed,
He will gnash his teeth and melt away;
The desire of the wicked will perish.” Psalm 112.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 