Day 199 – July 18, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 4, Luke 6 “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) I was 16 when the book “The Prayer of Jabez” took the evangelical world by storm. I thought, why not pray this prayer? Seems legit? You likely did the same. When we read the book and pray the prayer to expect God to increase our territory, what are we asking for? Perhaps its wealth, or control, and in large part, protection from harm. When we read that prayer alongside the sermon on the plain in Luke, we get maybe a different prayer. “Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” “Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry…” “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Is it just me or is Jesus the opposite of the prayer of Jabez? “Love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” “Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.” Jesus is the anti-Jabez. It’s not about the increase of territory, or the protection from harm. Rather, Jesus is teaching us to love our enemies, pray for our persecutors, and bless everyone. Bless the poor, the sick, the hurting. Increase the territory of our enemies! Jesus is up to something. He is teaching us that what really matters is what comes from our hearts. Out of the overflow of our heart, our mouth speaks. Out of the overflow of your heart, what are you praying? Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
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