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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 28 October 2025:
1 Chronicles 4:1-8 — The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal…
As with the previous chapters, the genealogy of Judah continues with detailed records of descendants and clans. The chronicler’s purpose is not merely historical — it is theological. Every name testifies to God’s covenant faithfulness. Through centuries of turmoil and exile, God preserves His people line by line, generation by generation, showing that His redemptive plan never wavers. Though many of these names are now obscure, God knew them intimately. Their inclusion here reminds us that obscurity on earth does not mean insignificance in God’s kingdom. As Paul wrote, “The Lord knows those who are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). Even the forgotten are known by name to the One who writes them into His story.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 — Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.
In the midst of a long genealogy, the narrative suddenly pauses to spotlight one man, Jabez. His story interrupts the record like a bright light breaking through the monotony of names, suggesting that faith, not fame, is what catches heaven’s attention. The text tells us little about his family, his career, or his achievements. What sets Jabez apart is his heart, his prayerful dependence upon God and his honorable character.
Jabez was born into hardship — his very name means “pain.” His mother’s sorrow marked the beginning of his life, yet pain did not define his destiny. He turned to God, asking not for ease or riches, but for blessing, growth, protection, and God’s abiding presence. His prayer reflects deep faith and humility: “Oh that your hand might be with me.” That is the essence of godliness, not self-sufficiency, but reliance on divine sufficiency.
Perhaps you, too, were born into difficulty or dysfunction. Maybe your family history, like Jabez’s, carries wounds or regrets. The story of Jabez teaches that where we start in life is not what determines our future, our response to God does. “Jabez called upon the God of Israel,” and God answered. Those who seek the Lord wholeheartedly will never be abandoned. As Romans 8:28-29 reminds us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good… for those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
God delights to transform pain into purpose and insignificance into influence. Jabez’s prayer was not a selfish request for more land but a spiritual desire for expanded impact and God’s hand to guide him. His life proves that the blessing of God is found not in possessions but in His presence.
Live Semper Fidelis Coram Deo — Always Faithful Before the Face of God. What matters most is not your past or your present struggle, but your posture before the Lord. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
And for every faithful parent laboring unseen, take heart: your faithfulness has eternal significance. Scripture reminds us in Malachi 2:15, “Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring.” God values not public acclaim but private devotion, the quiet shaping of the next generation toward righteousness.
Jabez, though ordinary, is forever memorialized in God’s Word as a man of faith, prayer, and honor. His legacy was not his wealth or skill but his relationship with God. The question his story poses to each of us is this: How will you be remembered, and what will your legacy be?
1 Chronicles 4:28-33 — They lived at Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until David reigned.
The closing verses note the land and settlements of the tribe of Simeon. To ancient Israel, land was identity, tangible proof of God’s covenant promise. Possession of land was not merely economic but spiritual, a testimony that God’s word to Abraham still stood: “To your offspring I will give this land” (Genesis 12:7). Just as Israel’s physical inheritance pointed forward to a greater promise, believers today await their eternal inheritance in Christ. “But our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). While the world measures worth by property, status, or heritage, our truest identity and home are found in the Kingdom of God.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 28 October 2025: Be like Jabez — honorable, prayerful, and dependent on God’s hand. Let your life not be defined by pain, limitations, or family history, but by faith and faithfulness before the Lord. Ask boldly for His blessing, not to expand your comfort but to expand your influence for His Kingdom. Live Coram Deo, before the face of God, seeking His presence in every decision. Remember: one soul is more valuable than the whole world. As recipients of grace, proclaim the Gospel without boundary. Let your legacy be faith that points others to Christ.
Pray: “Lord God, thank You for the life and testimony of Jabez. Teach me to rely fully upon You and to seek Your blessing for Your purposes, not my own. Keep my heart honorable and humble before You. Transform my pain into praise and my limitations into platforms for Your glory. Let my life be lived faithfully before Your face, bringing light and hope to others. Give me Your heart for the lost, Lord, and the courage to proclaim Your Gospel wherever You send me. May my legacy be faith, obedience, and love that point others to the Rock of salvation. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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