Daily Devotionals

Mornings and Evenings with Jesus

Devotional: October 21st

And God granted him that which he requested. - 1 Chronicles 4:10.

WITH regard to the prayer of Jabez, we observe, the Lord not only answered his supplication, but he answered it in the very thing he asked. This is not always the case.

God sometimes answers prayer in the way of equivalent. When our Saviour said to Peter, “There is no man that hath left house, or parent, or brother, or child, or wife, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present life,” he did not mean manifold more houses, parents, brethren, or children; no, but more in value, more in quality, “and, in the world to come, life everlasting.” Sometimes God answers prayer by way of exchange, as we see in the case of Paul: when he sought that the “thorn in his flesh” might be removed, his prayer was answered; but how? The Lord said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Sometimes he indulges his people in the very thing they implore.

This was the case with Hannah, when she came to the temple and addressed Eli:-“For this child have I prayed to the Lord.” So it was here with Jabez: “God granted him that which he desired,”-that is, in the enlargement of his coast, assistance in the performance of every duty, and preservation from evil, that it might not grieve him. The blessings which come in answer to prayer always wear the best, and always relish the sweetest. This may be considered the testimony of Jabez himself with regard to the blessings he had received in answer to prayer. Jabez not only prayed, but observed whether his prayers were answered; and when he had observed the answer he made it known, in order to excite others, and to glorify God.

So did David: “I love the Lord,” said he, “because he hath heard my voice and my supplication, because he hath inclined his ear unto me; therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.” “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” But this may also be considered as the testimony of God himself concerning Jabez. It is not always easy for us to determine when our prayers are answered, and sometimes it is nearly impossible. But God always knows.

He can answer prayer without having gone out of the common course of nature and providence. He can answer prayer without miracle and without wonder. He can see the prayer answered, though the poor petitioner has said, “Thou hast shut out my prayer.” He can see prayer answered, when it is accomplished through “terrible things in righteousness.” Let this, therefore, prove an incentive to prayer, and to watching thereunto for answers to our prayers. God has expressly declared that “For all these things I will be inquired of to do it for you.” And prayer is as sure as it is necessary.

Have we not boldness and access with confidence by the faith of our Mediator? Is not God’s very name a God hearing prayer? Did he ever say to the seed of Jacob, “Seek ye me in vain”? Has he not promised to pour out the Spirit of grace and supplication? and he prescribes the very petitions we are to present when we go to him:-“Take with you words and turn to the Lord; say unto him, Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously, so will we render the calves of our lips.”

If we read through the Bible, we shall find that from the beginning to the end it is a history of the value and success of prayer; and then we have the command and promise of the Saviour, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for he that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not. - Mark 5:18-19.

WHILE the Gadarenes were rejoicing at Christ’s departure the poor patient followed him with tears, and kneeling on the shore stretched out his hand towards the vessel as the Lord entered it, and craved to be with him. Observe, with regard to his prayer, First, That it arose from fear; he connected his recovery with the Saviour’s bodily presence, and was afraid lest the demons should again take possession of him.

Secondly, It arose from gratitude; he wished to be with him for “a name and a praise”-as a monument of his grace and power, to attend him as his servant- to execute his orders, and comply with his commands.

Thirdly, It arose from love; he wished to see and to know more of Jesus, to sit always at his feet and hear his words. And it is the desire of every one that has obtained grace that he may be with Jesus; and the prayer of every one who has tasted the bread of life is, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” Yet innocent, pious, and praiseworthy as the poor creature’s prayer was, it was refused: “Jesus suffered him not.”

This part of the subject is full of instruction. It will serve to enable us to think correctly of answers to prayer; and lead to the conclusion that God may answer in wrath or refuse a petition in kindness; that success here is no mark of the Divine favour and friendship. The Israelites wished for flesh; God “gave them their hearts desire,” but “sent leanness into their souls.” They asked for a king in their folly; “God gave them a king in his anger, and took him away in his wrath.” But to turn to the other side. God’s heart is towards his people; before they call he answers, and while they are yet speaking he hears. Thus we say with David, “I love the Lord, because he hath heard my supplications;” and we should love him more if we knew all.

There are times when, if our desires had been complied with, we might have been destroyed, or materially injured. Our desires too frequently betray our imperfections and our depravity, even in our devotions. When on our knees worldly-mindedness whispers, “Ask something for me;” and pride suggests, “Ask something for me.” Alas! we “know not what to ask for as we ought.” But for our comfort God is kind as well as wise; he “waits to be gracious,” and is “exalted that he may have mercy.” He sees the end from the beginning, and knows how to distinguish between our welfare and our wishes, and is often necessitated to sacrifice the latter for our good; nor will he spare for our crying.

Thus God acts towards us as a judicious parent to his child, distinguishing his wants from his wishes. Moses prayed to see God’s face; now none can see him and live; therefore God graciously refused his prayer. Christians often beg of God to tell them that their sins are pardoned, that their names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and that they are heirs of glory. If their desires were granted, and their requests complied with, their frame would break down with the communication. Paul prayed that “the thorn might depart,” but it was too indispensable.

The Saviour therefore says, I am too much concerned for your own welfare to do this. I will not deliver you from the burden; but I will give you my supporting grace, which “shall be sufficient for you.” Sometimes our way is hedged up with thorns, why? To prevent our wandering! If the passage were open and smooth, we should be tempted to stray; but mercy would throw even a hell across the road to stop us, rather than suffer us to depart from God.