Tucked neatly in between the genealogy of Judah's descendants, I find the story of Jabez. Now plenty has already been said (entire books written) regarding the unique prayer of Jabez, so there's really not any need for any additional comments about his prayer. But as I reflect on this story in today's readings, I see some new lessons we can learn from the sorrow surrounding his birth.
Obviously, we don't know anything of Jabez history besides what is communicated in two short verses of Scripture. We know that he was birthed in sorrow, and that's why he was given the name Jabez. And we know that he was more honorable than his brothers. We don't know why they were less honorable. Nothing is mentioned of them. We only know he was MORE honorable, probably because of his great faith and pursuit of God.
But why was Jabez birthed in sorrow... and how did he succeed in becoming a man who could pray a prayer that would challenge us even to this day?
Of course, we do not know the reasons why Jabez mother was sorrowful... But it's obvious that she did not see in his birth a reason to hope or to celebrate the future. And her wavering faith (in whatever her present circumstances) caused her to plant "sorrow" for his future. Tears were the only welcome gift given to her son as he came into the world. And yet, isn't it amazing how that which has been birthed in sorrow and baptized in tears God can turn to joy? But how often are we just like Jabez mother... how often are we ready to give the name of "Jabez" to difficult circumstances in our life, if we could but see that God is using those very circumstances for some greater purpose or some greater joy...
Unfortunately, we are all too often like Jabez' mother, allowing our fears and feelings rather than our faith to dictate our course and our future.
Sickness, we call it Jabez, though it may be sent to minister to our spiritual health.
Poverty, we call it Jabez, though coming to help us to the possession of heavenly riches.
Heartbreak, we call it Jabez, though designed to graft us more closely into the heart of God.
Sickness, we call it Jabez, though it may be sent to minister to our spiritual health.
Poverty, we call it Jabez, though coming to help us to the possession of heavenly riches.
Heartbreak, we call it Jabez, though designed to graft us more closely into the heart of God.
Discouragement, we call it Jabez, though intended to purge out the dross that we might experience greater heavenly joy.
Disappointment, we call it Jabez, though intended to release us of earthly desires that we might come to live God's dreams and His desires....
H. Melvill, B. D. writes: "Oh for a better judgment! or rather, oh for a simpler faith! We cannot, indeed, see the end from the beginning, and therefore cannot be sure that what rises in cloud will set in vermilion and gold; but we need not take upon ourselves to give the dark name, as though we could not be deceived in regard of the nature. Let us derive this lesson from the concise but striking narrative. Let us neither look confidently on what promises best, nor despairingly on what wears the most threatening appearance. God often wraps up the withered leaf of disappointment in the bright purple bud, and as often unfolds the golden flower of enjoyment in the nipped and blighted shoot. Experience is full of evidence that there is no depending on appearances. If, in a spirit of repining or unbelief, you brand as Jabez what may be but a blessing in disguise, no marvel if sometimes, in just anger and judgment, He allow the title to prove correct, and suffer not this Jabez, this child born in sorrow, to become to you as otherwise it might, more honorable more profitable than any of its brethren."
H. Melvill, B. D. writes: "Oh for a better judgment! or rather, oh for a simpler faith! We cannot, indeed, see the end from the beginning, and therefore cannot be sure that what rises in cloud will set in vermilion and gold; but we need not take upon ourselves to give the dark name, as though we could not be deceived in regard of the nature. Let us derive this lesson from the concise but striking narrative. Let us neither look confidently on what promises best, nor despairingly on what wears the most threatening appearance. God often wraps up the withered leaf of disappointment in the bright purple bud, and as often unfolds the golden flower of enjoyment in the nipped and blighted shoot. Experience is full of evidence that there is no depending on appearances. If, in a spirit of repining or unbelief, you brand as Jabez what may be but a blessing in disguise, no marvel if sometimes, in just anger and judgment, He allow the title to prove correct, and suffer not this Jabez, this child born in sorrow, to become to you as otherwise it might, more honorable more profitable than any of its brethren."
Thankfully, Jabez did not allow the forecast of sorrow to dictate his future, but he rose above the curse to test and prove the faithfulness of his God. What deep and profound lessons we can learn from this story. I pray these lessons speak to your heart today, just as they've spoken to mine.
Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Chron. 7-10 and Psalm 68
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