Happy Decoration Day!!!

Good Monday Morning to you. Happy Decoration Day! When I was a kid that’s what Memorial Day was called. It was the day my parents went back home to Harlan Co. Kentucky to decorate the graves. Decoration Day was the original name of the holiday. It was originally intended to honor the Civil War’s fallen on both sides. It remained that way until after World War I, when the graves of all military personnel were decorated. Over the years the day unofficially became the day to decorate the graves of whomsoever. Today, many people have no clue as to this special day‘s factual meaning. Sadly, it is known to most as the official kick-off to summer. I hope you will at least pause and remember our fallen military heroes. To do it properly, stop and pause at 3:00p.m. in whatever time zone you live. If your city still has a parade, why not go. If you see a Veteran, stop and thank them. It is the little things that mean so much.

We celebrated Memorial Day at Friendship Harmony by sharing the history of the day, our pledge to the flag, and recognizing our veterans. We had three veterans present yesterday: Ken Long, James Gephart, and Bob Fain. On behalf of the Friendship Harmony Baptist Church, I want to thank them for their service. Thanks goes to all our veterans as well as those who are active duty at this very moment. Until the day finally comes when, “…he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more (Isaiah 2:4); we thank those who were willing to “take up the sword and the spear.”

I concluded our heroes of Israel series by getting to know a man named Jabez. Jabez can be found in the book of 1 Chronicles 4:9,10. In just these two verses, we can learn much about the character of this God-fearing man. Some historians believe that Jabez and Othniel, Israel’s first judge are the same person. The arguments they give are convincing, but scant. Pastor Vic’s official response is, “I don’t know.” I suppose when we get to Heaven, we can ask him. Below are the notes. As always, you are free to use them for your personal Bible Study. You other preachers may use them too, but if you do so in written form, contact me as they are copyright protected. (My Cincinnati lawyers make me say that!)

Heroes Of Israel: Jabez
1 Chronicles 4:9,10
Sermon Series: Heroes of Israel 05/28/11
By Victor Cooper

I. He had a Godly reputation.
A. Some historians believe that Jabez, and Othniel, Israel’s first judge were one and the same.
B. The pause in the Biblical narrative, to expound on Jabez, would seem to indicate Divine approval, thus signifying a Godly reputation.

II. He was dedicated to the service of the LORD.
1 Chronicles 4:10 “…and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil …”
A. He asked God to keep His hand on him.
B. He asked God to keep him from evil.
C. Jesus would pray something similar; “…and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”
“The rhetorical form of the sentence is a vow promising allegiance to the true God.”
Popular Commentary of the Bible

III. Jabez led by example. 1 Chronicles 4:9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren…
A. Again, the Biblical narrative, would indicate he was a leader and what kind he was.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible.
Jabez was a man of learning and piety.
1. In learning, because we find that the families of the scribes dwelt at Jabez (ch. 2:55), a city which, it is likely, took its name from him. The Jews say that he was a famous doctor of the law and left many disciples behind him. And it should seem, by the mentioning of him so abruptly here, that his name was well known when Ezra wrote this.

2. In piety, because we find here that he was a praying man. His inclination to devotion made him truly honourable, and by prayer he obtained those blessings from God which added much to his honour. The way to be truly great is to be truly good and to pray much.

IV. Jabez prayed intercessory prayers.
A. Nothing in Scriptures indicated he prayed for others, but undoubtedly he did, because God granted his prayer for himself.
B. There is no sin in praying for yourself.
C. Jesus prayer said, “let this cup pass from me.” (italics mine)
D. It is likely due to Jabez’ character, that what God used to bless him, he in turn would use it to bless others.

V. God listened to Jabez. 1 Chronicles 4:10 …And God granted him that which he requested.

Preached at Friendship Harmony Baptist Church 5/29/11/a.m.

I hope you have a really good week. Wherever you are, please stay safe and healthy. Call or write if you care to. Good bye for now, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!