In Memory
9. 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. 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. . . .
11. 5:1. The oldest son of Israel was Reuben. But since he dishonored his father by sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, his birthright was given to the sons of his brother Joseph. For this reason, Reuben is not listed in the genealogical records as the firstborn son.
12. 5:2. The descendants of Judah became the most powerful tribe and provided a ruler for the nation, but the birthright belonged to Joseph. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10; 5:1-2
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Everyone leaves behind at least one legacy at death—the memories that others have of him or her. Each person leaves a name and a face, plus some experiences that a few close friends will remember long afterward. What would you want your loved ones to memorialize about you? How would you like to be remembered?
In this dateless family tree of mostly unpronounceable names, very few people are remembered for anything more than their name. But here and there, a note surfaces about a particular person. Jabez, for example, left an impression on the author of Chronicles. To be recognized in this way in such a massive genealogy says something important—there’s a lesson to learn here.
This list contains other lessons from history as well: some people make a mark for good; some leave a trail of wreckage; and all leave behind a reputation—even if it’s a blank one.
The Bible records many heroes in Israel’s history. Yet Jabez is remembered for a prayer request rather than a heroic act (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). In his prayer, Jabez asked God to do four things: (1) bless him, (2) help him in his work (“expand my territory”), (3) be with him in all he did, and (4) protect him from evil and harm. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work and the protector of his life.
When we pray for God’s blessing, we should also pray that we will rightfully regard him as Lord over everything we do—our work, our family time, and our recreation.
Do you want God’s blessing on your life? Do you want to be remembered as a “hero”? Obey God in your daily responsibilities. That is heroic living, and it’s something worth being remembered for.
