S) "9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, 'Because I bore him with pain.' 10 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested."
1 Chronicles 3:1-4 (NASB)
O) Given the wording that Jabez uses, "that it may not pain me!" and also the apparent definition of his name (v.10), I wonder if Jabez dealt with issues of "pain" throughout his life. Like, it's easy to envision a boy being teased about a name like that, and people saying things like, "You're such a Jabez in my neck!" Or, maybe something like, "No wonder he's crying again, his name is Jabez!"
Now, admittedly, this is all very speculative, but what we can glean from these verses, is that he had a rough start, at least. Then, as he grew, he became a relatively honorable man. Then, when he inquires of God about something pretty serious, a pretty big request, he seems to draw on a painful past. And then, at the end, God grants him his prayer.
Now, admittedly, this is all very speculative, but what we can glean from these verses, is that he had a rough start, at least. Then, as he grew, he became a relatively honorable man. Then, when he inquires of God about something pretty serious, a pretty big request, he seems to draw on a painful past. And then, at the end, God grants him his prayer.
A) It's easy for me to think a couple of foolish things. First, that God might be under an obligation to answer my prayers based on my relative "good character." Second, that God might be more inclined to answer my prayers based on the struggles I've seen in my past. The truth is that, God answers prayers based on grace alone, and not any kind of obligation, so no man can boast (see Ephesians 2:8-10, for example). And also, I am to rejoice in my sufferings, that they might glorify Christ (see 1 Peter 1:6-7, for example). In the end, I don't think Jabez was wrong to pray the way he did, exactly, but it's a reminder that when I make my requests to God, they are answered only out of grace, not because God owes me anything. I praise God for every blessing He gives, however it might be measured, and I cannot begin to feel entitled, not matter what my justifications might lead me to believe. The last sentence of the above verse says, "And God granted him what he requested." It does not say, "And God paid him what was owed." Or, "And God obeyed what he commanded." God's answers to our prayers is still Him granting our request. Nothing more.
P) Father, forgive me for arrogance and pride, and misguided, sinful thoughts of entitlement. My past is so full of Your grace already, that I sometimes wonder that I should make requests to You at all. But I know that Your love for me is everlasting, and unfailing, and full. Thank You, Father, for answering my prayers at all, for hearing my requests, for giving me the life I've had so far. Thank You for the future answers to prayer that You may give. Make me patient and humble, to accept Your answers as sovereign and good. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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