Rev. E. Anderson
Here is a simple message to start you thinking on the way God wills to bless. If this man Jabez could get a great answer to His prayer, so can you. Develop the message and may it come to fruition in your life.
THE MAN WITH A GREAT PETITION
READING PSALM 1
TEXT 1 CHRONICLES 4: 9, 10
INTRO
NAMES: This man, by the name of Jabez stands out most prominently amidst a vast list of names in the book of Chronicles. The danger in reading this Bible book is in missing out on these two choice, important verses in relation to him. RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD: Whatever may be said of this man, it can be argued that he discovered and knew a relationship with God in a very significant way. Within his day and generation he found his interest in God and God’s interest in him, and from that, a meaningful and fruitful relationship with Him in prayer BACKGROUND: Looking into the circumstances of his life, from what is briefly recorded, it is evident that he proceeded from a good tribe, Judah v1. Some are of the opinion that he could well have come from the stock and lineage of Caleb. FAMILY: He had a number of brothers as v9 reveals, although it could mean the tribe as a whole. INTERPRETATION: His name means “Sorrowful.” What a name to be called by and to live with! The very mention of his name was enough for people to look at him with a kind of sadness and leave him to himself. Every time it was mentioned, it must have disturbed him and awoke awful and regrettable feelings in his heart. It was an awful thing to afflict a child with and he had to deal with this imposition. What are some of the major things that are stated that serve as an inspiration and instruction in the matter of effectual praying
1/. HE KNEW HOW TO SET A FINE EXAMPLE
He was to be distinguished amongst his fellow brethren and that was a thing of noteworthiness THE AIM - Excellence. In contrast, his brethren may not been of similar spirit and persuasion.DARE TO BE DIFFERENT – Romans 12: 1,2 “Do not let the world squeeze you into its mould.”JOSEPH AND JESUS Words of encouragement by Paul to Timothy - 1 Tim .4: 12 “be an example in word, behaviour, charity, spirit, faith, purity.” See the incentive in Psalm1.
2/. HE KNEW HOW TO COPE WITH A DIFFICULT SITUATION.
His name could well have spelt the start of sorrow and been a prophecy of what was to be. Illustrations: Daniel - the captive maidThe prayer of Jabez reveals he was not prepared to tolerate a mind and mood of this nature. Though he may have been handicapped with his name, he would not permit it to rule his life or work. He had the power to change the same through God. These things would not break but make him.
3/. HE KNEW HOW TO PRAY TO ISRAEL’S GOD
He knew who to turn to amidst his personal situation. It was “WHO” to go to with such a big demand. As far as he was concerned, He was not only Jacob’s God, Jehovah was his God and could be looked to and relied upon.
4/. HE KNEW HOW TO SPEAK WITH A SPIRIT OF FERVENCY
One can measure the spirit of his prayer in its intensity in the way he approached God with the matter. The temperature and power of his praying can be summed up in the little but meaningful word - “Oh” . . . . Illustration : Someone asked Martin L. Jones when revival would come again to the Church. “When the Oh ! returned to the praying.”He may have learned this fervency and persistency from Jacob - Genesis 32.
5/. HE KNEW HOW TO ASK FOR THE THINGS THAT MATTERED
There was the desire for personal progress “enlarge my coast’ - Illustration: Joshua 1 There was the desire for the Lord’s presence - “and that thine hand might be with me.” This symbolized the immediate presence and inspiration of the Lord - Ezekiel 1: 3.There was the desire for divine preservation - “and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil”.
6/. HE KNEW HOW TO GET AN ANSWER FROM GOD
This says it all. The answer showed: He stood in the good favour of God. - John 11: 41. John 15; 16; 1 John 5: 14, 15He could experience and enjoy the things that he prayed for in reality and truth.
