30 More Days... Day 20

1Chr. 4:9  Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”
1Chr. 4:10 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.

For the next 2 days we are going to look at genealogy prayers. I call them that because, frankly, most people just aren’t into genealogies. When I spent time at JAARS we would show a video each week about a Bible translator to a tribe in the Philippines and how God worked to bring the people of the tribe that she worked in to Himself. She explains that her tribal “father” had been looking through her little New Testament that she had in her hut. He had started thumbing through it and came to Matthew 1. He was surprised to find a genealogy there. Her initial reaction to his finding was to tell him “yeah skip over that and get to the good part!” But for him the genealogy (for which their culture has 3 words) was a good part, a sign that what he was reading was real...that it was truth and not made up.

I can’t say that I get too very excited over genealogies. Reading lists of “the son of...” and “he begat” the rhythmic droning of the data streaming by my eyes ... it is as likely to put me to sleep as anything. However, I have found them worth reading. Often name after name bounces off my brain and I find little meaning, but occasionally I make a connection I never understood before. But, there is another reason. Every once in a while God slips a little narrative into the droning name. He places a gem that can be mined to the one diligent enough to look. That is how we find Jubal, Enoch and here, Jabez.

Jabez is now well known. Back in 2000 a book by Bruce Wilkinson based on this prayer hit the presses and sold huge numbers. Of course, not having read the book, I risk perhaps being repetitive and boring you. On the other hand I may also risk the negative reaction some people have had to statements or perceived statements made by Mr Wilkinson about this prayer.

Still this is a notable prayer in the Bible and it is one that falls within our 30 days of study together so ... let’s take a look.

We know almost nothing about Jabez. Everything we know about who he was and what he did... they are right here in these few verses. It isn’t much. However, for the little that is said about him, his prayer has made an impact.

Jabez has one of those great Old Testament names. I often wonder who would name their children this way if that is what the name really means. You are Jacob ... the deceiver. You are Jabez ... you cause pain! Then again we do have people in our life time who name their kids “Moon Unit”, “Dweezil” or “Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen”. Maybe Jabez wasn’t so bad after all.

We find that he was more honorable than his brothers. What this means is not really explained. How was it that he was more honorable. We can’t really say for sure, but he did pray... especially at a time when it seems possible that many were not. At a time when he was perhaps setting out in life and he shows dependence not on himself but rather on God. Perhaps it was that because of his name he was sensitive to the pain of others. We can only speculate. Whatever the reason he was more honorable than those around him. He had some kind of character.

We don’t know the circumstances or the occasion of his prayer. But we do have his words retained for us.

Oh that you would bless me indeed ... there is nothing wrong with praying for blessing. Each time we pray we are looking for some kind of blessing. If we praise we are blessed. If we ask we seek blessing. It is the nature of a relationship with God. We remember the priestly blessing from back in Numbers, “the Lord bless you and keep you...”. But as we read this I believe it is more than just a prayer that he would be blessed. It seems that he has blessing in mind that he might be a blessing to others. Some render it “Oh that blessing, You would bless me...” God let Your blessings flow to be true blessings indeed. He knows that every good and perfect gift comes from God. God is the source of any blessing and if we are to be blessed at all we must seek it from Him and not in ourselves.

He asks God to enlarge his territory. God expand the area of my influence. Again we have to ask with what aim? If he is asking for blessing indeed then the expanded area of influence should be one of extending that blessing to a wider area, a larger population. He is not just looking for “land, lots of land under star sky above...” If he is more honorable then his request is probably more honorable as well. He is looking to God’s promises to Israel and since he is praying to this same God then he should be seeking God’s will, plan and blessing not just for himself but for his people Israel.

He asks God to be with him. God I can’t do this in my own strength. Like Moses, perhaps he is saying God if you won’t go with us then we cannot go anywhere. We don’t want to go anywhere without you. God dwell with us. Again as we look at scripture from front to back we see that this was God’s intention all along. That He would dwell among us, among His people.

Keep me from evil and causing pain. What are the greatest commandments? Love the Lord you God... and love you neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm and is the fulfilling of the law. He is basically asking God to turn away the reproach of his name. I may be Jabez but that is not what I want to be known for. God let me fulfill your law and please your heart.

How could God not grant such a request? He prays within the boundaries of God’s express will. His heart and ambitions are right before God. His intention is not placed on himself alone.

As in every prayer we need to examine our heart. What is it that we are asking for and why. Are we asking with God’s heart. Are we asking according to God’s will? Do we have in mind the things of God or will we receive a rebuke like Peter’s. “Get thee behind me... you are not mindful of the things of God but the things of men”. The prayer is short. It is simple. However, it also carries with it a deep passion for God and spiritual truth.

“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!”

Prayer Request
*Please pray for Pastor Justin and his wife-to-be, Erin. They will be getting married 2 weeks from today. Pray for them as the complete the details and preparations for their wedding day. Also pray for them and the church through this time of transition. Pray for Erin as she moves into a new language and culture plus a new role in ministry. Pray for Justin as he will be caring for his wife and helping her to adjust and learn here while continuing to serve God and minister/shepherd the church.