Jabez (1)

“And Jabez called on the God of Israel.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV

In the book of 1 Chronicles, the Bible tells us about a man named Jabez. The first nine chapters consist of genealogies, listing more than six hundred names. And right there in the middle of all those names, God singles out one man for special recognition, and his name is Jabez. There are only two verses in the entire Bible about this man, yet he’s given honourable mention above the six hundred other people mentioned in the chapter. Why did God single him out? What did Jabez do that caused his name to be preserved for over four thousand years? What made him above average? For the next few days, let’s see what we can learn about him. “Now Jabez was more honourable than his brothers” (v. 9 NKJV). So what set him apart? He dared to ask and believe God for great things: “Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, that You would enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.” God wants you to ask Him for great things! He told Jeremiah, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV). Paul tells us that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). You can’t out-ask or out-dream God, so start asking Him for what you want—and believe He will give it to you!

Bible in a year: Psalm 68-69 and Luke 12:1-31