Today’s reading: 1 Chron 3:1-4:23, 1 Tim 3:8-16, Ps 77:1-20
Today’s theme: You are not insignificant
Today we learn that like Jabez we are not insignificant but are precious in the Lord’s sight and so in Christ can approach God in faith as we pray. We are also reminded that God’s plan for the family leads to human flourishing while man’s deviations only bring pain and frustration.
1 Chronicles 3:1-4:23
One wife for life
These were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, four by Bath-shua, the daughter of Ammiel; 1 Chronicles 3:5 (ESV)
David is an example to us because of his faith in God, his courage, his heart to praise and worship God and to repent. However we have just counted 7 wives. David is an example of how to be a bad father and husband.
From the very beginning God had intended man to have only one wife for life as stated in Genesis 2:24. God also warned the children of Israel of the abusive way that kings would take many wives. In Deuteronomy 17:17 God commands kings not to do this.
The consequences of breaking these laws had dire consequences in David’s very fragmented family. We see this problem in today’s society where men have a number of children by different women. This has never been God’s design and causes frustration and pain to all involved.
As Christians we must seek to uphold the Christian marriage and family in the midst of a culture which seeks to erode the place of the family and seeks to redefine marriage. See Ephesians 5:25 and Ephesians 6:4.
You are not insignificant
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. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (ESV)
Contrary to the belief of naturalism and evolution we are not all just insignificant numbers. Each one of us is precious in the sight of God. Jesus said that the very hairs of our heads are numbered in Luke 12:7. We matter to God despite the lies of the enemy. Jabez boldly stands out from the crowd.
In Jesus we can have the boldness and confidence in God to approach God and ask Him to bless us like Jabez. Jesus said “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” In Matthew 21:22 and in John 14:13 “and Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Later in James 4:3 we are reminded that when we ask we must do so in the right spirit “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
So let’s ask God in faith today.
1 Timothy 3:8-16
The Gospel Hymn
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
Paul has just outlined the qualifications of church leaders and has given his reason for doing so in verse 15. He states that we should know how to conduct ourselves as the church and declares the church should be a pillar and buttress of truth.
Now with this ancient hymn about Christ we hear a wonderful summary of that truth found in the gospel message. This is the truth that the church must uphold and defend.
Psalm 77:1-20
Only one true God
Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. Psalm 77:13-14 (ESV)
Only our God is the true God, He proves it through His wonderful acts.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.
Additional resources
Desiring God on 1 Timothy 3