Tag: Jabez

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God and Jabez

1 Chronicles 4 “God Knows Us…”             

The Chronicler noted the lineages of many people without descriptions until we get to chapter 4, verses 9 and 10. What was so important that the Chronicler mentioned Jabez out of the entire lineage he had been recording?

Jabez’s life seems like a mystery to us, but God has the answers. He poured out his heart to Him, who knows all things in eternity past, today, and tomorrow. Jabez was more honorable than all of his brothers, yet, in humility, he earnestly desired God’s best for himself. While others may have been busy with many things, Jabez was worshiping God.

Jabez began his prayer humbly, “if  you…” Jabez wanted the full scope of the blessing! He even noted what that blessing would entail and included protecting me. He wanted or sensed he needed a hedge of protection. And God answered his prayer; all. four. parts.

So why did the Chronicler insert this man out of all the many? Could we be busy “working”  rather than just seeking God’s best? Take a lesson from Jabez. Be bold and ask God to bless you.

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The Man Jabez & His Prayer

1Chron 4 As we ponder the many names listed in chapters 3 and 4 we come away with a yawn until we reach chapter 4. Of all the names listed, only Jabez is listed with a full description of his birth and a prayer he offered. He stands out amongst the others because of his pure heart.

First, he was respected or held in honorable estimation more than his brothers and that his mother birthed him in great pain but we are left to surmise the reasons. We know that Jabez called out to the God of Israel in sharp contrast to the culture about him.  He was spiritually alert to God and His workings in his life. He sought Him in a time when his need was great. In his plea, he asked God to greatly bless him and expand his territory. Jabez asks God to expand his territory for more opportunities. Do we pray that God gives us more opportunities to glorify Him?  Jabez believed this: “Lord, first, above all else, let there be this consciousness that you are my God; that I belong to you and you belong to me.” [Ray Stedman]

Jabez turned to God. He believed in the God of Israel. His prayer was that of a heart that was pure. His one desire was to honor God.  Jabez believed as James says “without doubting” that God would transform his life for His glory and “God answered his prayer.” We can learn much from this simple man for our ministry today.

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Lessons from Jabez

Are you a complainer? Do you want “stuff” but don’t have it? Perhaps this lesson from Jabez might teach us all a practical lesson in trust, belief, and faith.

1Chronicles 4 “Lessons from Jabez”

“you don’t have because you don’t ask; you ask and don’t receive because you ask wrongly” [James 4] but Jabez did ask and asked correctly. And God was pleased! God answered. Let’s see why:

1chron 4 jabez2a

Our story begins in the birth canal where Jabez struggled to come forth. It seems that Mother recorded that fact or reminded him of it throughout his life. Of all the men listed in this lengthy genealogical record, only Jabez is given the honor of his life’s story in a nutshell. It is as if the Chronicler wants us to note him. Jabez was “more honorable than his brothers.” He believed he could ask God all things and God would answer. That is true faith. Jabez was a God-fearer-worshiper. While others were busy with idols he was busy talking to God.

Jabez began: “if  you…” He simply told God that he wanted believing God would hear and answer. He precisely noted what that blessing would entail and included simply, protect me. For some reason he wanted or sensed he needed a hedge of protection and that he might not endure pain. That closes the circle from Mother’s words; I brought you forth in pain.

So why did the Chronicler insert these two verses? Could it be that too many of us are busy “working” our way to heaven rather than just seeking God who is generous giving His perfect gifts to those who believe Him.

Take a lesson from Jabez. Simply be bold and ask God to bless you.

 

 

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