Through the Bible: 1 ChroniclesSample

Royal Priestly Generation 

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 (NIV)

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David. Luke 1:32 (ESV)

It’s a spectacular sight encountering salmon swimming upstream against opposing currents. Its determination is truly inspirational, reminding me of Jabez. Out of the multitude of names representing David’s descendants in 1 Chronicles 3-4, the author focused and highlighted him. Names in biblical times were particularly significant, often carrying prophetic declarations. However, Jabez’s name meant ‘Sorrow’. Imagine reminding yourself and others daily about it. Despite this, Jabez was a paradigm breaker. He pressed in, believing the God of Israel was greater than everything. His request was bold and full of expectancy, seeking God’s supernatural intervention of favor and unlimited goodness. His focus was not on his limitations but a confident reliance on Him who is able and this has made the difference. As believers in Christ, our ordinary lives are destined for the extraordinary because Christ now lives in us. Amidst all human imperfections, our circumstances or limitations do not bind us. God calls us to live large through Him, not because we can, but because Jesus reigns.

Prayer

Abba Father, thank You that through Jesus we are children of hope. Omniscient God, may we encounter Your goodness, our lives enlarged to be a blessing beyond all that we can ask or imagine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.