Topical Bible: Servants: when Good are Prospered by God

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The concept of servanthood in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both literal and spiritual dimensions. Servants, in the biblical context, often refer to those who are in positions of service, whether as slaves, hired workers, or those who serve God and others out of devotion. The Bible provides numerous examples of how God prospers good servants, rewarding their faithfulness, diligence, and integrity.

Joseph: A Model of Faithful Service

One of the most prominent examples of a servant prospered by God is Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph served in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful and diligent. Genesis 39:2-4 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant."

Joseph's integrity and trust in God eventually led to his rise to power in Egypt, where he was instrumental in saving many lives during a severe famine. His account exemplifies how God can elevate those who serve faithfully, even in adverse conditions.

Daniel: Faithfulness in Exile

Daniel, another exemplary servant, was taken into Babylonian captivity yet remained steadfast in his devotion to God. Despite the challenges of living in a foreign land, Daniel's commitment to God and his exceptional service to the king led to his prosperity. Daniel 6:3 notes, "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom."

Daniel's unwavering faith and integrity not only brought him personal success but also served as a powerful testimony to God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

The Parable of the Talents

In the New Testament, Jesus' Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the principle of God prospering good servants. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he rewards the servants who have wisely invested and multiplied their talents. Matthew 25:21 records the master's commendation: "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’"

This parable underscores the importance of faithfulness and stewardship, teaching that those who diligently serve and utilize their God-given gifts will be rewarded.

Ruth: Loyalty and Provision

Ruth, a Moabite woman, exemplifies loyalty and service through her dedication to her mother-in-law, Naomi. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, declaring, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Her commitment and hard work in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi, led to her eventual marriage to Boaz and her inclusion in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ.

Ruth's account highlights how God prospers those who serve with love and loyalty, often in unexpected and transformative ways.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently affirms that God prospers good servants, rewarding their faithfulness, integrity, and dedication. Whether through the lives of Joseph, Daniel, or Ruth, or through the teachings of Jesus, the Bible provides a rich tapestry of examples demonstrating that those who serve well are often blessed by God, both in this life and in the life to come.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 39:3
And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God and Mammon.
... They have prospered: not by their love of money ... drinking, clothing, better; having
more servants, carriages, plate ... higher notion of what man's highest good may be ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvi god and mammon.htm

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... and a thousand more of his fellow-servants, may pass ... Even so, FATHER; for so it seemed
good in Thy ... know that never was our blessed LORD more prospered than when ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... was cleansed from the worship of Baal, and all prospered as long as the good Jehoiada
lived. ... a great defeat from the Syrians, and his servants slew him as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

Thwarting God's Purpose
... had in view when He said to His servants, 'Go into ... How can any man get any good out
of a medicine ... Who hath hardened himself against Him and prospered?' You can ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/thwarting gods purpose.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... hosts, ready to do battle against the servants of God ... and yet out of evil he hath
brought forth good. ... been formed against the church has prospered, because God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

The Third Season
... enjoyed by Christ and his precious servants, of whom ... be consumed; and that because
of the good will of ... formed against it, hitherto none of them has prospered. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

Seeking Richly Rewarded
... should be, they would be as constantly God's servants as the ... perhaps, "It would be
a very good thing for me ... You have never prospered when you thought you were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/seeking richly rewarded.htm

Blessed Adversity.
... knows that all things work together for good to them ... hedge around him, and about
his servants, and about ... The work of Job's hands was prospered"his substance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed adversity.htm

The Rending of the Kingdom
... kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be
thy servants forever." 2 ... of his reign; and in this effort he was prospered. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... O what a world of good might gentlemen do if they ... has intrusted with the care of
children and servants, I would ... view it as if you lived and prospered in them ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm