The Forgotten Man!

Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that Thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that Thy hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldst keep {me} from harm, that {it} may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested. --I Chronicles 4:10

One fellow in the Bible prayed, his request was granted, and we never hear from Jabez again! Why? This is an awesome example of choice. Every creature other than man lives under compulsion. The caterpillar must become a butterfly; the tadpole must become a frog. Man can choose what he will become. He can choose earthly comfort or he can choose maturity. Jabez chose comfort. His choice is in stark contrast to the choices made by men we continually read about in the Bible. Listen to Solomon’s choice (II Chronicles 1:10), “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can rule this great people of Thine?” The result followed in verses 11 and 12, “And God said to Solomon,‘Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth, or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge, that you may rule My people, over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed, nor those who will come after you.’” What would you be, a Jabez or a Solomon? Both were God-worshippers, both lived upright lives, but they made different choices.Look to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who never sought an earthly kingdom, freedom from pain, or to be delivered from trouble. Because of this, His kingdom will endure forever, by His stripes we are healed, and Life (capital L) came out of death.Again, what do we want? The frightening thing is that we can have what we want.

Comfort or Maturity.  Two choices.  Our choices lead us in specific directions.  They are more important than most give credence or concern (carefulness in making the decisions) to.

- Mike Wells