Read 1 Chronicles 3
Highlights:
Descendants of David, Solomon, Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad; history of two-and-a-half tribes.
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren . . . And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil . . . And God granted him that which he requested (I Chr. 4:9-10).
We know very little about Jabez except that he prayed for something besides worldly fame. He was more honourable than his brethren . . . And God granted him that which he requested. That statement tells a world about the character of this man. Some would argue that we know all we need to know to call him a hero of the faith.
Jabez found the joy that comes as one gives himself to God for His pleasure alone, seeking to be led in the path according to the choice of God. Accomplishments that bring eternal results are those that God initiates. Therefore, when we are faithfully serving Christ, we shall neither murmur about anything nor be proud of our accomplishments. For in the service of Christ, we realize all things are in His control. There is nothing that happens that is outside His reach when our lives are dedicated to Him.
Furthermore, we should never be jealous of the advantages which other people have. The Psalmist wrote: For I was envious . . . when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. . . . They are not in trouble as other men . . . they have more than heart could wish (Ps. 73:1-12). Then he writes: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. . . . Thou castedst them down into destruction. . . . Thou shalt . . . receive me to glory (73:17-24).
If our supreme desire is to gain His blessing, there is no need to fear that we are being cheated. Our main goal in life should be to do the best we can each day with what we have (Phil 4:11). The most important thing is what we are in the eyes of God. Anything God wants us to do, He will help us do if we are willing to yield to His will for our lives.
Our possibilities in life are limitless if we will turn our face toward heaven and not look away. We need to set our eyes on the real prize in life — the prize of being in the center of God's will — the prize of walking in the high calling of the true and living God (Phil. 3:14). The joy of knowing that the God of heaven is looking at our lives and is pleased with what He is seeing. Living life knowing the rewards of heaven are awaiting is the grandest prize of all.
God . . . is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
Thought for Today:
Those who give their all receive the Lord's best.
Christ Revealed:
Through the genealogy of David (I Chr. 3:1-24). Christ the Son of God was also called the Son of David: The Book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:23-38; Rom. 1:3).
Word Studies:
3:9 concubines, a woman legitimately married to a man but inferior to the regular wife and excluded with her children from the heritage (Gen. 25:6). Concubines could be taken from among Hebrews, slaves, or war captives; 4:10 coast, beachfront, border of territory, boundary; 4:40 fat, rich, good; 5:11 over against, across from.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Dave Heineman (NE), Rep. Jared Polis (CO) and Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ) • Country: Cuba (11.2 million) on the northern rim of the Caribbean • Major language: Spanish • Strict government surveillance of all true Christian activities • 40% Catholic; 10% Protestant; 2-10% Santeria; 1% Other; 40% None • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His redeeming love (Rev. 5:9).
Optional Reading: Romans 15
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 5:21