Iniquity in Your Foundation
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.” 1 Chr. 4:10
Jabez had his fair share of evil foundations. He was born of the family of Judah, through Perez, one of the twins that Judah had by incest with Tamar, his daughter-in-law. (Tamar was the wife of Er, Judah’s first son). Er was wicked and the Lord killed him before Tamar could bear him a child. Judah had his second son, Onan, remarry her. But he would not allow her conceive by him. The Lord also killed Onan consequently. And Judah arranged for Tamar to remain a widow in her father’s house until his last son, Shelah, is grown to remarry her. Tamar got information that Judah had plans to renege on their arrangement. So she disguised herself as a harlot and waylaid Judah who slept with her and the result was the birth of the twin, Perez and Zerah. (See Gen. 38). Iniquity was found in the paternal ancestry of Jabez. His maternal foundation was also one of pain and sorrow. In all, Jabez had a typical example of a wrecked foundation. But God showed him favour: “And Jabez was more honourable than his brothers…” (1 Chr. 4:9). Praise God!
You may have come from foundations that seem hopelessly steeped in African, Indian or otherwise un-Christian cultures, where the blood of human sacrifices has been speaking against your ancestry for ages. But hear this today: God knew you and your lineage even before you were conceived. He created you and perfected his plans to deliver and judge you “more honourable” in your bloodline; that by you He would redeem and restore your blood line to His glory. That is why you have this devotional in your hands right now. He did not send Christ for those who are born on righteous foundations but for those born of evil foundations, like Jabez or yours. Jabez was delivered because he called on the name of the Lord, you can do same right now.
Liberation Thought: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to him and are safe.
Further Reading: Gen38
Prayer: