Scripture:
I Chronicles 4:9-10 NKJV
[9] Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” [10] And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.
Observation:
The books of Chronicles are believed to be written by a scribe named Ezra. However, there is no definitive evidence that he is the author. The name Jabez, as you read, was a constant reminder to him that he had been born through pain. You might say that his mom marked or tagged him with the constant reminder. The circumstances in which he was brought into this world were not good and caused a lot of pain. With a reminder like that, every time his name was mentioned, you could almost see his insides cringe. Like fighting your way up from the bottom. He is only mentioned this one time in the bible, but the way he is mentioned caught my ear years ago. His prayer is simple, and despite the name given to him, what is said about him has an impact. Verse 9 says Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. Having the constant reminder that his entrance into the world may have given Jabez the drive to be the best man he could be so as to not cause anyone anymore pain. I’m not sure because this is the only time he is mentioned. But it’s notable that in spite of how he was labeled. He put forth the utmost effort to be the exact opposite in who he was. Let’s take a look at his prayer. It’s short and to the point. His first request is that GOD would bless him. You could imagine that fighting his way up from the marks of a name like that would have not been easy. Living in the shadows of a label. So, asking for GOD’S blessing on his life is an obvious request. Second, jabaz knows that GOD is a GOD of increas. His second request was that his territory would be increased. This would come with more influence and a larger group of people to oversee. The third request is that GOD’S hand would be with him. A hand of protection, provision, guidance, and love. The last thing is on the prayer list, but I’m sure certainly not least is that he would be kept from evil, not hurt anyone, or cause any pain anymore.
Application:
i love tge Jabez prayer. Most of all, because I can relate to Jabez. Having the cards stacked against me. I’m sure you can probably agree. Life has just not been easy for a lot of us. We may have been born in some unfortunate circumstances. I could run down a list of them. But for the sake of time, let’s just say if you relate, you know the list I’m talking about. Poverty, parents that didn’t want you, a house that had no idea who GOD was, or even a house that claimed to know GOD but was full of judgment hypocrites. The list could go on. Either way, fighting up from the bottom makes you stronger than you could ever imagine. I need to say that this little prayer from a man whose name is in and of itself the very reminder of painful moments. Has affected my life. I found it about 10 years ago and thought, what the heck? I will give it a shot. Just to let you know, I still use this prayer today, and GOD has been so kind as to answer it. There has been way more than enough pain and tragedy in my life. Honestly, I just don’t want to be the cause of anymore. I’m praying that GOD’S word would guide my steps so that my life would be inside HIS will. Listen, I’m here to tell you that this simple prayer works. HE has increased my territory and blessed me beyond my understanding. From living in a Hammock on the streets in Shawnee Oklahoma to buying my mom’s old home in asher. To plan to build my wife and I a home on that property. And that’s just the beginning. I’m sure the possibility is endless with GOD. My life has become all about HIM, and what a blessing HE is. The amazing thing is that I know HE is not done yet. I will continue to say the Jabez prayer over my life and yours as well, and my challenge to you is that you would start to say it over your life. That GOD would increase all of our territory and bless us indeed that the kingdom of heaven would cover the earth and overtake the evil and bitterness that causes division in churches and drives people away. Our lives and the way we live them would not cause others pain hurt and sorrow. That the influence we have would be not only positive but that it would be incredibly increased. So that the would would see Jesus in and through us.
Prayer:
Father, I know that I can get long-winded, and my prayers can sometimes go on and on. This morning, I just want to be simple and ask that you would bless us indeed. Father, that your would increase our territory and influence. That your hand of guidance would light the path for us, and most of all that we would be a blessing to all that you place around us. You are our GOD, and we are your children. we pray that our lives bring you honor and glory. That we use everything you give us for your kingdom. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.