CENTRAL THOUGHT
God will not overlook a sincere and passionate prayer.
HYMN: What a friend we have in Jesus.
TEXT: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
INTRODUCTION:
The book of Chronicles begins with the genealogies of Israel but chapter four reveals Judah’s descendants. (1 Chronicles 4:1-8). The most remarkable person mentioned is Jabez. He was called Jabez because he bore him in sorrow. Jabez’s, short appearance in the Bible may make us think that he was insignificant to warrant our attention, but a critical look at how he got his name and his prayer request will reveal that we have a lot to learn from him. He is remembered for his prayer instead of a heroic act. His prayer is worth reflecting on, though not to be used as a formula or mantra to be chanted. This study examines Jabez prayer and is aimed at encouraging us to pray, no matter our condition.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- Identify who Jabez was and the meaning of his name;
- Appreciate derivable lessons from the prayer of Jabez;
- Understand why Jabez prayed; and
- Recognize that God answers sincere and passionate prayers.
BIBLE TRUTH
QUESTION 1.) WHO WAS JABEZ AND WHY WAS HE NAMED JABEZ? (1 CHRON.4:9)
Jabez was a well-respected man and an ancestor in the lineage of the Kings tribe of Judah. He was a descendant of Judah. His parents names were not mentioned neither when we were we given the age in which he lived. But the Scripture mentioned that he was more honorable than his brethren. The name Jabez was also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:55 possibly as a place named after him.
The name Jabez is Hebrew word for “atsah” which means “sorrow” or “pain”. His mother stated “I gave birth to him in sorrow” ( 1 Chron.4:9). To the mother, such could be a reminder of God’s faithfulness even in times of sorrow. And also a reminder to the child on the need to love, honor and comfort the mother in view of what she passed through the process of delivery.
QUESTION 2.) WHY DID JABEZ PRAY AND WHAT DOES THE PRAYER REQUEST REVEAL ABOUT THE PERSON OF JABEZ ?
Obviously, Jabez was not satisfied with his condition. The beginning of his life may have been very rough and he desired a change. He must have realized that he could not help himself, hence he decided to cry out to God for divine help. His prayer revealed that He had a personal relationship with the God of Israel, had faith in Him and was convinced that only this God could help him. He prayerfully trusted God to direct his life, for all round blessings, including material blessings, protection, and guidance. God honored him. His prayer also revealed that he was a man that desired to serve and bring glory to God.
QUESTION 3.) EXPLAIN THE MEANING AND THE LESSONS DERIVABLE FROM THE PRAYER REQUEST OF JABEZ ( 1 CHRON.4:10)
The prayer request of Jabez could be separated into the following four parts.
a. “AND JABEZ CALLED ON THE GOD OF ISRAEL, SAYING, OH THAT THOU WOULDEST BLESS ME INDEED”.
Jabez called on the God of Israel, the only living and true God. The covenant keeping God who hears and answers prayers; not on the dead gods of the gentiles. He appears to understand the blessedness of being blessed by God. Thus, he prayed that God should bless him indeed. Such blessings could be both physical and spiritual. He was asking God to bless him greatly, exceedingly, or abundantly. “And we know that God can provide beyond all that you can ask or imagine.” God promised Abraham similar blessing “In blessing I will bless you” (Gen.22:17) and Jacob could pray; “I will never let you go unless you bless me” (Gen.32:26B). We should learn to align every of our intention with God’s will and look up to Him for all manner of blessings.
b. “…ENLARGE MY COAST…”
Here Jabez was simply asking God to increase his sphere of influence, physical possessions, and opportunities. God enlarged the coast of Abraham by giving him and his descendants all the land from the place he was, to the north, south, east and west and also by making his seed as the dust of the earth so that no man could number them (Gen.13:14-18). Jabez asked for blessings in all spheres of life including areas of service, wisdom, knowledge, understanding and other spiritual blessings.
God has made certain promises to every one of us. He has given us certain territories to conquer. Let us trust God to help us possess our possessions. We can ask God to increase the use of our lives to spread the gospel. We should therefore not be afraid to ask God for big things and greater opportunities that will bring glory to His name.
c. “….LET YOUR HAND BE WITH ME…”
Jabez is requesting for God’s presence in his life, divine leading, protection and guidance. He desires God’s strength, help and assistance in carrying out his responsibilities. He was convinced that he couldn’t do without God. We must ask for the power of God’s hand to protect and to lead us in the right direction and in all circumstances.
d. “…KEEP ME FROM EVIL, THAT IT MAY NOT GRIEVE ME”
Jabez realized that he was living in a wicked world. Evil and evil people abound. He therefore asked God to deliver him from the evil designs of the enemy, that they might not hurt nor grieve him. We must learn to ask God to guard our hearts, and for His protection from every evil, seen and unseen. This is similar to the phrase in the Lord’s prayer “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”. (Matt.6:13)
QUESTION 4.) HOW DID GOD RESPOND TO JABEZ PRAYER? ANY ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE BELIEVER? ( 1 JOHN 5:14-15; JAMES 5:16)
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it may not cause pain. So God granted him what he requested” (1 Chronicles 4:10). God being merciful and gracious granted him all that he requested. Not even one of the prayer requests was left out. His heart was met in full.
This should give us hope. No matter what the people around us say, no matter how the world labels us, God is able to turn things around and bless us. Whenever we ask God anything that is in accordance with His will, we should be confident that He will answer us (1 John 5:14-15). The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16c).
QUESTION 5.) SHOULD A BELIEVER CHANGE HIS/HER NAME BASED ON CIRCUMSTANCES? (GEN.17:4-5, 15; 32:27-28)
In Bible days, a name was very important. A name often defined a person’s future. God changed Abram to Abraham. Abram means “exalted father”. For God to fulfil His purpose in his life, He changed his name to Abraham meaning “the father of a multitude” (Genesis 17:4-5). He also changed Sarai to Sarah. Sarai means “princely” while Sarah means “mother of princes” (Genesis 17:15).
Jacob’s name was also changed to Israel. Jacob means a “Supplanter” or “deceiver” while Israel means “a prince who has power with God and with man and have prevailed”.
But in the case of Jabez, God changed his destiny without changing his name. Though Jabez was not expressly cursed, his name was a reminder of the pain associated with his birth. His prayer request seems to suggest that God should counter his hopeless name.
In our time, people choose and give names to their children for several reasons: a prediction of the child’s future, a hero or character they desire such a child to take after, expression of testimony or gratitude, a reminder of an experience or event or just by revelation.
In some cases, these names are ungodly and directly opposite our Christian professions. The Christian is therefore in a dilemma whether to change his name or not. As Christians we should be mindful of the names we give our children.
We can only but conclude that God is sovereign and can do as He pleases with or without a change of name. However, believers could change his name if he is in the position to do so and if he is led by the Holy Spirit.
QUESTION 6.) WHAT LESSONS CAN WE DERIVE FROM JABEZ’S PRAYER?
-Jabez started by acknowledging the Lordship and Headship of God over his life; “he cried to the Lord.” We should begin our prayer by acknowledging who God is.
-Jabez understood that there is only one God who answers prayers and He should be the center of his life. He was passionate in his prayer.
-He realized that all blessings come from God and that only God has the capacity to protect and deliver him from evil and wicked people. Our God who is ever faithful in caring for His own and answering those who seek Him, granted all Jabez’s request. (1 Chron.4:10).
-We must have a personal relationship with Christ and trust Him for a godly perspective of our purpose on earth. We must be persistent in our prayers and be specific in our prayer request.
-We should ask God for His continuous support and guidance throughout life. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established”.
-No matter the challenge you may be facing, learn to take it to God in prayer, He answers prayers and there is nothing too difficult for Him to do.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
When searching for God’s direction, we can turn to the prayer of Jabez. In it we find an example of passionate prayer in action.
Challenges abound in this life. It could be delay in child bearing, ill health, crises in the home, poverty etc. No matter the situation you find yourself, take it to God in prayer. He will never disappoint you.
The label people may give to you is not your destiny. It is what God says about you that counts. Your destiny is in
God’s Hand. Jabez chose not to allow his name or condition to determine his destiny. He prayed and that changed everything, so pray.
MEMORY VERSE:
JAMES 5:16C
“ The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Mon: THE MAN JABEZ. 1 Chron.4:9
Tues: PRAYER POINT, “OH THOU WOULDEST BLESS ME INDEED”. 1 Chron.4:10a.
Wed: PRAYER POINT, “ENLARGE MY COAST”.
1 Chron.4:10b.
Thu: BE CONFIDENT: GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS.
1 John.5:14-15; James 5:16c.
Fri: IMPORTANCE OF NAMES. Gen.17:4-5, 15; 32:27-28.
Sat: MEDITATE ON. Pro.16:3