Who was that one man who prayed? His name is Jabez. A few years back a man wrote a book called, “The Prayer of Jabez.”
Who was Jabez? He was from the tribe of Judah and an honorable man. He, “Was more honorable than his brothers.” (1 Chronicles 4: 9)
His prayer was a simple and profound prayer. It was straight from his heart, “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)
- God hears our heartfelt prayers. No need to be eloquent, God hears.
Is it wrong to ask God to bless you? No, it is not. He asked for his life to be blessed that his territory would expand, for his influence to grow. That’s the heart of the Lord.
In addition, he asked for God’s hand to be with him and upon him, to be free from harm and pain. God granted it!
- Ask for His blessing, not just his hand. (Shared from 1 Chronicles 3-4, Modified)
Zephaniah isn’t proclaiming God’s blessing as we begin this new chapter, he’s warning of the coming destruction of Judah and upon its people. It’s called the great day of the Lord.
He prophesies that it’s coming near and coming quickly. What will it look like, we wonder?
“The day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers.” Zephaniah 1: 14-16)
This will not be a good day! This puts a whole new spin on telling someone to “Have a good day.”
This day will not be a day of deliverance for Judah, but a day of divine vengeance on an idolatrous covenant nation.
- Proclaim blessing upon your day, upon your life.
I see, now, the importance of pronouncing a blessing. (Shared from Zephaniah 1, Modified)
Speaking a final blessing and greeting is important. It seals what was spoken. Paul gives his friends, in Corinth, a final word that we can all learn from.
“Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13: 11)
Prior to proclaiming this blessing, the false apostles were demanding proof that Paul was truly an apostle. They were stirring up a rebellion against Paul. Paul suggested to the people that they, “Examine themselves to see if they were in the faith; test yourselves. I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.” (1 Corinthians 13: 6)
- There’s always one troublemaker in every crowd, sometimes more.
- Jesus is our defender. He uncovers and discovers.
The prayer of one man or one woman can change an entire nation. Just think about what the prayers of many can do.
To those who labor in prayer, God is hearing and will move on your behalf. You are bringing to completion the plans of God with your prayers.
May God grant all of your requests. (Shared from 2 Corinthians 13, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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