Throughout the Scriptures, we find many characters listed only once, yet so much is mentioned in only a few words. It is the quality of life that makes a difference, not the quantity. Consider Methuselah who lived 969 years and only six Scriptures mention him, but the Christ who lived only 33 years – well, need any more be said?
You may recall a few years back a best selling little book called, The Prayer of Jabez, taken from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, which reads:
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Although a bestselling book with this title, we see the story by inspiration in the best selling book of all time, the Holy Bible. As something written aforetime for learning (Romans 15:4), the prayer of Jabez is worthy for consideration.
As a person, Jabez was honorable in that he sought “…the honor that cometh from God only” (John 5:44). He was humble (James 4:10). He was a praying person (Philippians 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 5:17). He did not ask to be relieved of burdens and responsibilities, but rather called upon the God of Israel, a God in covenant with his people (Deuteronomy 5:1-3) and a God who hears his people (Isaiah 59:1-2). Very simply, Jabez was a person who put God first in his life (Matthew 6:33). His priorities were right, and his life was upright.
Oh, to read that beautiful, simple prayer! He asked to be blessed by God! He knew the One that grants comforts and blessings (Ephesians 1:3)! He asked God to enlarge his border (Matthew 6:33; 7:7). He asked that God’s hand be with him, such assurance as we read in John 10:28. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
However, note the final request; he asked God to keep him from evil. Evil is deceptive (Ephesians 6:10-13). Place a frog in cold water, put the pot on the stove and boil slowly. The frog will allow himself to be boiled to death! He does not realize what is happening! Slowly but surely the frog becomes accustomed to what is around him. Jabez knew what evil would do; evil grieves! We watch the news and hear the stories of how evil doing causes great grief for so many that are innocent. Evil will attack our thoughts. “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…” (Matthew 15:19). Then, it attacks our hearts (Hebrews 3:12), which results in evil works (Romans 13:3) and is enhanced by evil communication (1 Corinthians 15:33). Jabez knew that his renewed daily devotion to God would keep him from the evil that lurks for men.
Mentioned briefly, Jabez had a life that was simple and faithful, and he desired to do God’s will. May we walk in the quality of life as Jabez did and offer up our prayers to God to keep us safe and faithful. Dear friend, are you walking with our Lord? Are you a member of the church of Christ? Let us know how we can help.
