Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Chronicles 4-6

Highlight Verse:

“There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Jabez” sounds like the Hebrew word for pain.

It’s quite possible that he was a “pain” to those around him. After all, he was more honorable than those around him – so much so that they named the town after him. (1 Chronicles 2:55).

In fact, he was honorable enough to become a historical footnote in the middle of a Biblical genealogy.

The only words of his that were preserved were his prayer.

What did he pray for?

• That God would bless him – fill him with the joy that comes from God providing his needs.
• That God would enlarge his territory – that he would be a greater influence over more people.
• That God protect him from harm.
• And finally, that God would protect him from pain (or evil depending on the translation).

While some would use his prayer to promote prosperity theology,

I see it as a plea for God to honor his integrity.

There is nothing said here about Jabez’s wisdom or intelligence.

Instead, he is honorable.

Out of that integrity, He asks God to bless him.

Have you built a base of integrity that God can bless abundantly?
Have you asked for that blessing and protection?