Expansion Prayer

Read 1 Chronicles 1:1-4:23
 
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. 10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.
 
AS we complete the Old Testament record, it is a bit surprising to read once more the generations of people from Noah to the Exile. This and the next lesson are a way to remember three things: What happened? What do we learn of God? What do we learn of God’s salvation plan? Then perhaps you can stop and consider how knowing these things applies to your life.
   These two verses about Jabez briefly pause the long genealogies. Several years there was much attention to a book on Jabez’ prayer. What does “expand my territory” mean? Is an honorable life and this simple prayer all that is necessary for our “territory” to grow?  
   Of course, life is not that simple because God’s ways extend far beyond this simple formula. But there is a fundamental truth here. Indeed, we must pursue honor in God’s sight. He says so, “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. (1 Peter 1:15) And it does seem God will bless a life that strives to honor God and be holy in his sight.
   We can quickly use Job as an example of the honorable man suffering in God’s test. Through the pain, God expanded Job’s material territory. And we know how Joseph, Moses, Samuel and Hezekiah, for example, suffered and struggled, even as God’s blessed these holy men. Still he used their lives for kingdom expansion. Their “territory” is a legacy of faith, instrumental to God’s salvation plan.        
   With a kingdom view, we can understand how God does expand the territory of honorable people who faithfully pursue God. Ezra and Nehemiah were honorable men. They worked very hard. And God expanded their territory through restoring a city and teaching God’s Word. Their influence changed Jerusalem and Judah.
   God’s story certainly has a long list of those who have experience pain for the Gospel. God has used them in life and in death to enlarge his kingdom on earth. Each faithful witness who has ministered God’s Word can be creediid with advancing God’s territory.
   To pray, “Lord, expand my territory.” we commit to follow Jesus to stand against sin and stand for the Son. If your intent is honorable in God’s will, the LORD will surely answer your prayer in his purpose. To live for Christ is to live with expanding boundaries that will grow the kingdom in ways you cannot anticipate. Jesus said it this way: Matthew 13:31 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”