April 8th

Ruth 4:13-22


1 Chronicles 2:9-55

1 Chronicles 4:1-23

1 Samuel 1:1-8

We covered the ending of the book of Ruth and the introduction to the book of 1 Samuel. Then, wedged in between were the genealogies of Judah from the book of 1 Chronicles. What’s interesting to me is that the topic of all three of these passages was children. Ruth was blessed with a child named Obed, who was the grandfather of King David and, therefore, in the lineage of Christ. Though Hannah was barren, at least in the part that you read today, she will be blessed with a child named Samuel, who becomes a great prophet; and, of course, the genealogies of Judah are filled with scores of descendants.

Children are blessings from the Lord. He “enabled Ruth to become pregnant” (Ruth 4:13); but, He did not give Hannah children, for a time, for He had “closed her womb” (1 Samuel 1:5, 6). God is the giver and sustainer of life; and He allows children to be born in His timing and for His purposes. We, as parents, are blessed to have a part in our children’s lives.

Another thing I find interesting, regarding children, is names. Although parents technically name their children, somehow God intervenes and gives meaning to them. Throughout the Bible, names are intentional and, in God’s providence, names reflect His purposes. Ruth and Boaz named their son Obed, meaning “servant.” Hannah will name her son Samuel, meaning “asked of God.” Then, nestled among the genealogies today, there was a man named Jabez, whose name means “pain or sorrow,” because “his birth had been so painful” (1 Chron. 4:9).

Maybe that is why the author paused here and pointed out the fact that Jabez was “an honorable man, more distinguished than any of his brothers.” He had overcome his name and found the key to happiness — a relationship with the Lord his God.

I’m sure that you are familiar with the prayer of Jabez: “Oh that You would bless me and extend my lands! Please be with me in all that I do and keep me from all trouble and pain” (4:10).

On the surface, this prayer seems selfish, “Bless me and extend my lands? Keep me from trouble and pain.” But, the Bible says that God answered his prayer, which means that this prayer must have been God-centered not self-centered.

It was not that the words of Jabez were somehow magical, but rather it was the fact that he placed his trust in the Lord that God honored him. Jabez was not asking for his territory to be expanded so that he could have more stuff, but rather so that he could do more for the Lord and influence more people in His name. It was a humble and genuine prayer for God’s presence and power to be evident in his life. Jabez wanted to live a life that was not distracted by sin, a life that honored his God.

Daily Reflection

Have you discovered life’s true source of happiness, the real escape from pain and sorrow? It is not in possessions but in a Person; it is not found in relationships with others but in a relationship with God. Write your own humble and genuine “prayer of Jabez” and may God answer it.

BiAY.org | Day 98 — 267 Days to Go