1 Chronicles 4:9-10
And his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”
10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!”
And God granted what he asked.
We are familiar with Jabez. This was a huge prayer of all the Church in the 1990s. Oddly, we were all dressed in black, like the movie the "Matrix" at the time. Isn't it a dichotomy of light and dark? And going with this thought, 1 Chronicles 4 is about listing family. Jabez is also listed by God Himself as a descendant of Judah. The Tribe of Jesus and David.
I'd place bets, this is similar to God's Book of Life. A glimpse of Heaven.
We would all like to know how God would be moved to answer this Blessing!
And there is something to say about this Blessing.
As Father God removed Jesus from this life, Jesus said will have troubles; For Jabez - there was no more journey, or adventure or anything worth writing about. We know Jabez isn't permanently marked as being in the cemetery as dead forever, yet there is no more to the story. These few verses have a finality.
Most of our ideas, thoughts and dreams come from what we have witnessed in others.
The Bible teaches us in relationship how life Progresses. We are built to love and care for others. To have the Light of Jesus Christ making Light and Life.
This is Most Certainly, not, a Jabez Portion of Life.
When the decades progress, what will you tell of this time? What is the story of, the glory of - Love? It's not a Jabez Season. You might want to think about Your Story for the Generation Yet Unborn.
Jeremiah 33:1-4
While Jeremiah was still locked up in the courtyard of the guards,
the message from the Lord came to him a second time:
“The Lord made the earth, and he keeps it safe. The Lord is his name.
He says,
‘Judah, pray to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you important secrets. You have never heard these things before.’ 4 The Lord is the God of Israel.
When we move past a time of extreme emotions, people become dissatisfied. And they are more fortunate, but less willing to put themselves in emotional places that aren't fulfilling. It's easier to become lukewarm to life. We also pray, in our times of difficulties, to keep our hearts warm.
How did Jeremiah survive even before God's Word arrived? He believed.
Jeremiah 1
6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me,
“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
declares the Lord.”
18 And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”
We sometimes wonder about Jeremiah.
What became of him? History tells us the captives of Nebuchadnezzar II, in Babylon, received many letters from Jeremiah encouraging them and they drew profound strength from the Word of God in the Holy Spirit in Jeremiah.
God's Word never goes unfilled. Jeremiah had God's Promise. Jeremiah was directed to plan on, to purchase settling in Jerusalem's area and stay. We know what happened to Jeremiah.
Romans 12. Jesus fulfills every dot and iota.
Holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 Do not
be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
Jabez has lived with the waters of trouble pulled from him. Pain is removed. God's Word tells us Jabez is filled.
Wouldn't we see:
Not conforming to the world.
Transformation and renewal of the mind.
Discerning goodness, pleasing God and seeking Him first to find His Perfect Will.
Some humility. Knowing what is what.
Sober judgment.
And a measure of faith God has given as a gift.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.
Jabez was pretty impudent to ask God. Beyond his circumstances labelled by life.
Jesus found Jairus to be this honorable. And we do not see Jairus flop like a fish, create a scene, jump up and down saying he was the ruler of the Synagogue. Except like the woman from Tyre, Jairus really placed Himself at the feet of Jesus. And like the woman from Tyre, Jesus seemed too busy.
The Blessing of Jabez was not to feel pain. Jairus certainly did not give Jesus any pain or harm. He knew Jesus was God. Exactly like the woman from Tyre. The anger of man does not produce the Righteousness of God. According to James, who grew up with Jesus. Self-control is a Fruit of the Spirit - especially when addressing God Himself. A Blessing of Jabez, going along with faith and trust in the Goodness of God.
and
the fullness thereof
the world
and those
who dwell therein
He has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Selah!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors!
The King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory!
Selah!
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