‘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. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.’ (1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT).
In the listing of names in the lineage of Judah, the author of 1 Chronicles paused to describe a man named Jabez. What can we learn about Jabez from this description? At least four things:
1) He was “more honorable” than his brothers.
2) His mother named him, “Jabez,” meaning “to cause pain, grief or sorrow,” because he caused her such pain in childbirth.
3) He was a praying man that prayed to the “God of Israel,” not a false god.
4) He wanted to overcome the name he had been given at birth.
What did Jabez pray?
1) That God would “bless” him (In Hebrew: “barak, barak.” Literally, “bless bless.”) Jabez wanted a double blessing!
2) That God would enlarge his “territory.”
3) That God would be with him. He prayed for God’s continual presence on his life.
4) That God would keep him from all “trouble and pain.” Though his name meant “pain,” he asked God to give him a new identity.
And God “granted” his request. Regardless of our situation at birth, or at present, the Lord is ready to hear our prayers. Jabez did not complain, nor blame. He asked God to doubly bless and be with him. And God did just that!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we often think that You bless according to our actions, but really it is more according to our asks. For we are all sinners and do not deserve Your blessing. Yet, You are a God who blesses. And You love to bless those who ask believing. So Lord, we ask. Bless, bless us today with a double blessing. In Jesus’ name, amen.