The Prayer Of Jabez

by G. Jarvie, Glasgow | Category: Prayers Of Scripture | Oct 1973

"Jabez called on the God of Israel" (1 Chron. 4:9-10).

Among the remarkable pen-pictures of Scripture is the short one concerning Jabez, of the tribe of Judah. In a long list of names, his name stands out as a man who was different from his brethren. "Jabez was more honourable than his brethren" the Word says. Wherein lay the difference? It lay in his vision. His brethren were content with things as they were, but not so Jabez, and so he called upon the God of Israel. He wanted the blessing of God.

There is a discontent that leads to murmuring; this is displeasing to the Lord, and we must guard against it. But there is a discontent that leads to prayer, and this is good. Some of the men who came to David were men who were discontented (bitter of soul). He became captain over them (1 Sam. 22:2) and taught them the fear of the Lord (Psa. 34:11) and they became mighty men. We must encourage all who long for the blessing of the Lord, and share with them in prayer. The name of Jabez is in Scripture because of his longing, and because of his prayer. God takes account of those who cry to Him (Ezek. 9:4); and of those who speak of His things (Mal. 3:16).

"Jabez called on the God of Israel", and his brief prayer is recorded for us. He made four requests.

(1)Oh that Thou wouldst bless me indeed.

(2)That Thou wouldst enlarge my border.

(3)That Thine hand would be with me.

(4)That Thou wouldst keep me from evil.

And God granted him his requests, for all these were in the will of God. Let us think of his requests as they may apply to us. The sequence is remarkable.

Blessing comes before enlarging. We must be revived ourselves before we can reach others. We must feel the pulse of power in our prayer meetings before we can see the work of the Holy Spirit in our preaching meetings and in our outreach. We ask ourselves, What is it that keeps back the blessing in our own souls? Why do we hear so little of the hearty "Amen" at our times of prayer? Are we pleading with God as we should? Are we really concerned about those who perish? Do we pray for all men, as we are asked to do? God wants to bless us, as He blessed Jabez, we can be sure of that. His brethren missed the blessing because they never really sought for it. They were content with things as they were. God is waiting for us (Isa. 30:18). This we must remember.

Jabez prayed also for the enlarging of his border. Not for his own gain merely, we can be sure of that, else God would not have given it. He asked it that God might be glorified. Will the Lord enlarge our border? Will more disciples be made? Will more churches of God be planted so that there is more praise and adoration to God? Will the light and truth spread throughout the world before the Master comes? This depends on the work of the Spirit of God, working in the servants of God. We have a part in it. What is our vision? What is our prayer? According to these it will be.

Jabez prayed that the hand of the Lord would be with Him. We toil in vain if the Spirit of God does not work. Our lives; our prayers; our longings; our givings; our willingness to suffer for Christ's sake and the gospel's sake; all are involved in this. But God will give grace and power. He waits for us. Oh the marvel of it!

And last of all he prayed that he might be kept from evil, that he might not have sorrow. "Deliver us from evil", the Master taught His disciples to pray (Matt. 6:13).

The days we live in call for vision, and for prayer and faith, for those who, like Jabez, will not be satisfied with less than the blessing of God. And if we seek it, as Jabez sought it, then God will grant it to us, as He granted it to Jabez. Vision and prayer and faith mark off the men and women of God in every age.

G. Jarvie, Glasgow | Oct 1973
Prayers Of Scripture