Walking in the Spirit of Jabez

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Although his story is told in only two verses in scripture, Jabez’ message is powerful, life altering and filled with world-changing hope.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10:

“Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name [Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain. ”And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested”

Jabez was born into the tribe of Judah, the tribe of kings. Both Rahab and Ruth married into the tribe of Judah. David was a descendant of Judah. Joseph, Mary and Jesus were members of the tribe.

In spite of the promises that had been declared over the tribe of Judah, Jabez’ mother saw little hope for her son. He had been born in pain. She expected that pain to continue. Jabez means “he will bring pain and sorrow.”

Jabez did not let the words of his mother limit his life expectations. He called on the God of Israel not only to bless him, but to bless him INDEED. He asked for a big blessing. He asked God to increase his territory, to increase his sphere of authority, to increase his ministry. Jabez knew that he could not move effectively in his increase without the covering and protection of the Lord. He asked for guidance (God’s hand.) He asked that the Lord keep him from evil. Remember that the Lord Jesus taught us all to pray for the Lord to deliver us from evil.

Jabez’ purpose for his increased territory and for the Lord’s intervention in his life is that he would not cause pain, that he would not walk in the curse that his mother had spoken over him. Jabez wanted to be blessed in order to bless others.

We can learn from Jabez.

--No matter what our background might be, no matter what others may have spoken over us, God still has a plan to give us a future and a hope.

--We cannot walk effectively in blessing without submitting to God’s authority over our lives.

--Our desire must be a determination to walk away from evil—evil in both thought and action.

--The purpose of our enlarged territory must be to accomplish our calling without purposefully harming others.

We must ask ourselves some pertinent questions.

--Why do I want my domain to be increased?

--Am I willing to forgo my plans and to submit to God’s plans and purposes?

--Am I desirous of walking away from evil thoughts, conversations and actions?

--Can I honestly say that I do not wish pain on others?

God’s purpose is that we shine forth the glory, power, authority and holiness of our Creator.

Isaiah 60: Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the LORD will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.

3 The Gentiles shall come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.

Because He loves us and wants the best for us, God desires that we walk in the spirit of Jabez.