It’s easy to depend on God when we’re caught in the fist of poverty. We have nothing, so we have nothing to lose. Ask God for a million dollars? Ludicrous. We’re happy with a meal on the table. If we can just get that twice a day, we’ve partaken of the goodness of the Father, and we’re centered in his love.
How does our right relationship with the Holy One show itself when we’re wealthy beyond belief? How does the Father know we are truly dedicated to him? How can he trust us, or rather, how can he trust in us, with the assurance that we love him, not the things we’ve been given?
Hezekiah was a reformer in ancient Israel. He restored the Temple to its former power and glory. He reinstituted proper worship within its walls and throughout the kingdom. God rewarded him for his piety and devout actions.
2 Chronicles 32:27-28 tells us:
“And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels: storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.”
It’s not unusual for God’s warriors in the Old Testament to flourish under the Father’s blessings, and when they reach the pinnacle of success, to falter in their walk with him. Sampson, who let himself be trapped by Delilah. Saul, who started out as God’s man. David, trapped by lust. Solomon, who chased earthly pleasures. When God gives us much, God expects much. Hezekiah was no different. We see God put Hezekiah’s heart to the test in 2 Chronicles 32:31:
“Howbiet in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left [Hezekiah], to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.”
When we wallow in the blessings of the Lord, we need to be prepared. God wants to know what we love more, the blessings, or the One who gave them.
Jeremiah 17:9 reveals:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
Our wealth tells all. If we have it, has it become more important than God? If it has, and we are tested, then God may choose to take it away. Our relationship with the Father isn’t found in our wealth. Rather, our wealth tells if we have a true relationship with him. Let’s make sure we put God first every time.
The true test of our love for God is whether we can open our hands and let the rest go.
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FGO.E.22.16a.vp.kjv