0216. JABEZ AND HIS PRAYER.
JABEZ AND HIS PRAYER.
1Ch_4:9-10.
Introduction.
Multum in Parvo.
1. A Latin proverb, Multum in parvo, suitably expresses the wonderful biographical skill shown in Biblical biography.
2. All that we know of Jabez is contained in these two short verses, and one other incidental reference, and
3. Yet what a lot we have.
What is Not Told Us.
1. We are not informed of the name of his parents, the place where he lived, the time when he lived, nor when or how old he was when he died.
2. And yet what a lot we have in small compass.
I. The Man.
1. He was a member of the honoured nation of Israel.
2. He was a member of the Royal tribe of that nation. Not definitely stated, but he appears in list of Judah.
3. He was a worshipper of the one and only true God. "God of Israel"-not God of any Pagan nation.
4. His birth was associated with peculiar and unusual sorrow. His Name was given him by his mother, not by his father. Did she die in bringing him into the world?
5. He was more honourable than his fellows. And that was because of prayer and piety. "More honourable"- does not that mean more upright in character, in business dealings, in speech about others, more Godlike! That sprang from his prayer life.
6. He was a man of prayer-and that means a lot. He knew what supplication is-pleading the promises of Deu_12:20; Deu_19:8; Deu_32:13; Exo_34:24).
7. He was an ambitious man. He desired more territory, greater influence, greater responsibility-all right and good in their place.
8. He was a scholarly man (1Ch_2:55). Did Jabez found the town of Jabez? The Scribes dwelt there. It was a place of learning. These scribes were the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, were noted for their total abstinence principles (Jer. 35), and are known as Rechab-ites. He was only a man. "That it may not grieve me" that is the flaw in the prayer. "Thee" would have been far, far better. How longsuffering and forbearing our God is!
II. The Prayer.
1. Divine Blessing Sought.
a. "Me!" Should it not have been others?
b. No, no, we won’t find fault. If He will only bless me, then I shall be a blessing to others.
c. "Indeed"-how definite and emphatic.
2. Divine Enlargement Coveted.
a. "There is a godly ambition which may be reverently cherished for wider influence over men, not for its own sake, but the Master’s" (Meyer).
b. "You may feel that you have fulfilled the measure of your present possibilities, but have unexhausted power and talents. Tell God so, and ask for a wider extent of territory to bring under cultivation for Him" (Meyer).
c. God promised enlargement to Israel if they were obedient (Exo_34:24).
d. Remember, there is not only enlargement of coast, but also enlarged-
(1) Stride (2Sa_22:37).
(2) Heart (Psa_119:32).
(3) Character (Psa_4:1).
3. Divine Co-operation in All my Work Sought.
a. Divine co-operation is meant.
b. Divine strengthening is implied.
c. Divine companionship implied. Jesus is God’s Hand, i.e., God’s executive.
4. Divine Protection from Evil.
a. In the work.
b. In me.
III. God’s Magnanimity. He granted the prayer.
PRIDE.
1. Origin.
a. Devil (1Ti_3:6).
b. World (1Jn_2:16).
c. Heart (Mar_7:21, Mar_7:23).
2. Work.
a. By pride Satan fell (Isa_14:13-14; Eze_28:17).
b. It is one definition of sin (Pro_21:4).
e. It is, alas! part of our natural make-up (Rom. 1 30).
3. Course.
a. Deceives (Jer_49:16).
b. Hardens and debases (Dan_5:20).
4. Cure. God and His Salvation.
Autor: James Smith