Sermon: Jabez: 'That I May Not Cause Pain'
#1823
Mark Schindler
Given 14-Jun-25; 71 minutes
description: (hide) When we contrast the ever-present chaos and confusion of the world with the serene, quiet clarity of God's still small voice, we remember that even God's faithful servants like Elijah, Peter, David, and Hezekiah had become upended, distracted, and drifted away from God's divine purpose for them. Thankfully, in each instance, God gently called them back with a question at a moment of fleeting spiritual clarity. As we consider national observances such as Pentecost or Flag Day, we must highlight the difference between worldly symbols of pride and power versus the preferred heavenly calling, living under God's banner rather than man's banner. Jabez's brief but powerful prayer in I Chronicles 4:9-10 identifies him as a spiritual beacon, a man born in pain who seeks blessing and alignment with God's will. As the Bible compares Lamech's violence, Nimrod's empire building, Hezekiah's self-focused prayer and David's humble repentance, we discover two distinct approaches: one of self-glory and temporary gain contrasted with God-centered purpose and eternal transformation. We must tune out the cacophony and noise of the world, listening for the quiet guidance from God's Holy Spirit. True, effective prayer, like that of Jabez's, seeks not material gain, but spiritual expansion, enabling us to live like Christ, reflecting His glory in a broken world. We, as metaphorical branches, must remain connected to the vine, regarding Christ as our standard, our banner-the flag of our Father in heaven, maintaining a perpetual above-the-sun perspective.
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