Today, we continue to read of descendants. Tucked in the chronicle is the powerful prayer of Jabez and God's response:
"Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. And God granted his request." 1 Chron 4:10b -NIV
A prayer for an extra measure of God's grace is given today as we consider this prayer, a prayer that would be excellent material for at least a 6 week Bible study. May God give you through the Spirit time to further dig into actions, topics, prayers, and other readings as you are moved by the Spirit.
We continue on to read of the 70 who settle in Egypt. Seventy, that is ten times seven, this number may represent a number of completion. Yet let us consider what happens to those individuals. They: proclaim to pharaoh that they are shepherds, are detestible to Egyptians; are given the best land in Egypt; are put in charge of pharaoh's livestock; and they multiply. If over 400 years, they double in number every 20 years; after 400 years then there would be 73,400,320 individuals; this is an example of the power of geometric, or compound, growth. Geometric growth amazed Einstein, for he could not comprehend the power of compound growth.
One can reflect how shepherds play a role in this account and in the account of the birth of Christ. How to Egyptians, shepherds were detestable and as a result, set apart. This setting apart may have played a major role in the Hebrew culture not being absorbed by intermarriage into the Egyptian culture.
Remember, a definition of "Holy" is being set apart to/for God.
Thoughts:
What do you take to the Lord in prayer?
What do you "set apart" for the Lord? Time? Talent? Treasure?
How do you realize that the power of compound growth pales and is nothing in comparison to the power of God?
Pray for our pastoral leadership to feel and show in a loving way to others, by the Spirit, a reflection of God's awesome power.
In Christ.
David P
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