25/08/2022 - CAREFUL AND PROSPEROUS

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Also he built towers in the desert. He dug many wells, for he had much livestock, both in the lowlands and in the plains; he also had farmers and vinedressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved the soil.   2 Chronicles 26.10

Uzziah proved to be a good man, determined to change the face of his country, fighting with all his strength to make his people be respected. The leader has to give the example and the means for everyone to love the homeland; without this, he can never demand love and loyalty. Besides the towers in Jerusalem, the king, built others in the desert, which almost nobody cares about. The people loved him in God!

Without a good infrastructure, you can’t go anywhere. Uzziah felt that his nation needed to protect itself even in uninhabited places, since even though they were uninhabited, they could be used by enemies to group together and attack him. With the security reinforced, he dug many water wells. The lack of water would not prevent them from planting and harvesting, or from watering their cattle.

The king took care of the nation and himself, raising cattle both in the valleys and in the meadows. The servant of the Lord must be prudent and prepare himself for the future, because no one knows what trials will come upon mankind. Whoever is not prepared will have to reach out for public charity when the evil days come. Those who learn from the ant will have food in the winter (Proverbs 6.6)!

Where there was good pasture, Uzziah was able to put his flock out to graze. With rented or bought land, he prepared himself for when drought came and famine knocked at his door. Thus, the moment when the population came to him asking for help, he would take a little to give or sell to the needy. Never waste the opportunities that come your way. To serve God is not a synonym of poverty, but of faith!

In addition to these acts, the king employed husbandmen and vinedressers, thus helping to support several families. Whoever manages to employ those who are unfit for enterprise does a tremendous good. In every society, there are people who are not fit to be traders or professionals, so they need those with God’s vision to create jobs.

Uzziah’s business interests were seen in the hills and in the fertile fields, as he took advantage of producing in any situation. Help the one who needs a job or has another need. If we keep thinking about the affairs of man, according to the news we hear, we will do nothing. Be the Christian who goes to battle. Even if the situation seems hopeless, remember: All things are possible to him who believes (Mark 9.23b).

Whoever is a friend of Jesus, is a friend of everyone and is always aware of how they can help others. Uzziah was a friend of agriculture, husbandry and his country, so he used his ability to take his kingdom to all places!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares