". . . 'that Your hand would be with me'. . . " 1 Chronicles 4:10.

Jabez was an intelligent individual, one who had his priorities straight. He knew who was in charge and the character of the One he served. He also understood something that has seemingly been forgotten by most of us who live in the twenty-first century. Human nature is untrustworthy and can be very misleading. Jabez was confident that God would bless him and enlarge his territory. However, he didn't forget that with his answer to prayer, came greater responsibilities.

Realizing the magnitude by which God had blessed many of his ancestors in the past, and the territory that God had given them to claim for Christ, Jabez was made keenly aware of his human weaknesses and dependence upon the Lord. Therefore, he didn't stop by asking for great blessings and extended territory. He also asked for the continual presence of that Divine hand which parted the Red Sea and spoke the earth into existence. Instead of becoming more self reliant, Jabez leaned on God with greater weight.

Often in our society, we are taught that wealth and position mean power. With these, comes "true freedom". Once we have reached this higher state, we are no longer dependent on others, not even God. We become our own gods, doing as we please when we please with no one to answer to but ourselves. So they say. But, is this really the case. Apparently Jabez didn't think so, nor do I. In fact, the Bible teaches that with wealth, position, authority, and freedom comes greater responsibility and accountability. Not only are we still reliant upon people, we would do well to recognize our need for more dependence upon God.

It seems that our culture has already bought into this great lie. It shouldn't be surprising, though. After all, we are bombarded with scenes from Hollywood day in and day out, telling us that success and true happiness can only be attained through money, power and self-indulgence. Many of our young people are educated more by television than by anything else. No wonder so many believe that life is only about "Me, Myself, & I". Human reason and logic are exalted above the Bible and its teachings. The Moral law, given to Adam and Eve in Eden, written by the Hand of God on Mount Sinai, and repeated by the lips of the Savior in Judea, has been thrown out, only to be replaced by the arguments of Science and Human "Wisdom". Sadly, the result has been a great departure from the principles of Truth and a parting of ways with God, leaving society free to forget the Creator and Redeemer of earth and live as they please.

It doesn't have to be that way with you and I, though. Although these crazy theories are sweeping multitudes off their feet, we do not need to be washed out to sea with them. We have our Bibles. We have the sure Word of Prophecy and we know that all the things that surround us in society only point to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The wickedness of man should be both a warning and an encouragement to us. For by it, we know that the end of all things is near. All who have chosen Christ above the pleasures of this world can rest in Him.

The God Jabez served thousands of years ago is the God that I serve today. He is still blessing people, enlarging their territory and resting His loving hands upon all that they set out to accomplish in His name. The Psalmist says, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." "Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Least you dash your foot against a stone," Psalms 91:1,9-12.