1 Chronicles 4

Good Morning “Understanders of The Only Real Gospel.”  Today we are in 1 Chronicles 4.

Some of you remember the year 2000.  Specifically Jan 1st.  That was the year the world was supposed to come crashing in.  The theory was when all of the internal calendars on our electronically ran vehicles, airplanes, computers etc rolled from 1999 to 2000 - they were going to freak out not knowing what to do.  The power grid was going to go down, planes would fall out of the sky, cars careening out of control - etc etc.  Nothing happened.  It was a crazy year of false insecurities and concern.  

1999 was the year of preparation and opportunity for some to capitalize on fear.  Fear is big business.  Perhaps that was the motivation behind a little book released in 2000 - “The Prayer of Jabez.”  Over 9 million copies of the book sold by 2002.  One of those copies was to me.  You see I too was curious.  In the year 2000 I was in the process of becoming the full time Youth Pastor at our church.  I had to know what all the fuss was about.

Many believed this little book held the key.  Within its pages was the secret to harnessing the blessing of God.  It was suggested that Jabez prayed this prayer… if you pray it accordingly, you too will be blessed.  Some suggested it fueled the “Prosperity Gospel” movement.  â€œHealth wealth and prosperity” is what God wants for you.  Ha ha… tell that to the Martyred Disciples.  It’s within today’s chapter that we find Jabez actual words.

“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s interesting because I found it hard to actually refute some of the claims… IF you pay attention to the total passage.  I believe most people overlooked the first part of the passage, the “REAL” key, I believe, to positioning yourself to receive the blessing of God.  â€œJabez was more honorable than his brothers.”  

Psalm 37:4 says “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Matthew 6 reminds us not to worry about all the things / needs of life, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬  

God is a good good Father.  Like us messed up earthly fathers, He desires to bless His children.  Even we know you don’t bless disobedience - or at least we should know.   You see the beauty of Jabez prayer was not that he said the magic words… it was that he followed The Lord.  Blessing is possible when our hearts are truly turned to Him.  Our prayers are to be an out pouring of what’s truly in our heart.  But sometime what is in our hearts is not His Word and His Glory, but our selfish desires.  (James 4:3)

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”  John 15:7.  The remaining in Him and His Words in us part, makes us more like minded with God.  His Word taught by His Spirit changes us.  He doesn’t change to line up with our fleshly desires, we change to line up with His Will.  Our prayers begin to line up with how He wants to bless.  In short - our prayers become Biblical.

You want to pray the prayer of Jabez… go for it.  But more importantly remain in Him and get His Word in you!  Then… the prayers you pray will be prayers He desires to answer.

Love you all!  Dig in.