TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 4:9-10
I. Introduction
The name Jabez means “he causes pain,” so we can assume that something about his birth was exceptionally more painful than the usual birth – either physically or emotionally. In Bible times, a name was very important. A name often defined a person’s future – what they would become. So perhaps Jabez’s mother was predicting her baby’s future. It seems as if Jabez defied his hopeless name and dysfunctional beginning to become a man who believed fervently in the power of God. He prayed with urgency and vulnerability. He cried out to the Lord with boldness! Jabez was honored because of his relationship with God.
II. Exegesis
Jabez asked God to bless him: Jabez knew that the God he believed in is the source of all blessings. For that reason, he asked God to bless him. And these blessings are more than just material; they can also be spiritual blessings, like good relationships, peace of mind, a compassionate heart, and a gentle demeanour, among other things. God blesses us with spiritual as well as material blessings when we ask Him. So we should always be reminded that asking God for a blessing is not a bad thing.
Then enlarge his territory:
Territory here does not really mean physical land. Jabez is more concerned about making an impact for the Kingdom of God. It is not a literal land territory. This may not be obvious at first glance, but when we look at the spiritual meaning of this line, it’s different. Jabez prayed that God would enlarge the territory of his heart that it may overflow to those around him. He wanted to reach others for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
Finally he asked that God’s hand be with him:
Jabez recognized his limited, feeble nature as a person. Because of that, he knew he needed God’s help. He knew that God was all-powerful, so he asked God’s hand to be with him – to guide him into the right path and to hold him throughout his journey. In this line, Jabez recognizes that blessings can only be good things when it comes to God’s hand. Without God’s hand leading and guiding us, the blessings would be a waste. They would not fulfil a good purpose.
III. How then can we pray like Jabez
i. For us to pray as Jabez did, we must first recognize who God is in our lives. Do we know that He alone is the source of all blessings? Do we recognize that God can give us the appropriate blessings if we ask Him for them?
ii. Once we know who God truly is, what He’s capable of, and His role in our lives, we can then come to him with all confidence. Like the boldness Jabez showed when he prayed for God to bless him and enlarge his territory, we can ask God just as courageously for big things. Once again, the right attitude here is important.
iii. Once we receive His blessings, we must never forget the Source. Often, we get so blinded by the good things God gives us that we forget about God Himself. Jabez recognized this, and so he also prayed that God will continue to take the lead and guide his way. If we ask God’s hand to be with us at all times, we will surely take the right paths.
IV. Conclusion
Not only did Jabez recognize who God truly is, and not only did he have the right attitude when he prayed. Against all odds, Jabez also defied his supposed destiny. He was a conqueror through what God has done in him. He powered through the challenges life threw at him, and he honored God by doing so. We may be facing trials and discouragements ourselves. But like Jabez, let us learn to look to the God we believe in. Ask that He would do great things through us, and ask that He would be the one to lead us every step of the way. With that kind of attitude, certainly, God will answer our prayers positively.