Is The God's response to Jabez one which binds Him to perform likewise in each and every instance submitted, as an entitlement?
How does that compare with Holy Spirit/Pauline doctrine?
"Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry; both to abound and to suffer need" (Philippians 4:11,12).
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (1 Timothy 6:8-11).
"Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).
"In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Do not these New Covenant teachings override any self-serving appeals heard by Jehovah-Jireh, concerning temporal progress in the preceding Mosaic/Davidic Covenant? of which Jabez was a participant? What saith Jesus himself regarding our plight?
"... your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought fpr the morrow; ..." (Matthew 6:32b, 33, 34a).
Worthy of very careful meditation as to what one is asking for, and why --
I do understand and agree with your emphasis, although the prosperity gospel didn’t really jump out at me in the comment.
We are at a point in time where many people realize and see through the facade of material prosperity as being an all in all marker of realization or a sign of God’s blessing. Given the recent instability of the times in this post-modern, lack luster era, many people, christian and non-christian alike, are looking more for purpose and self-fulfillment.
The fact that the Prayer of Jabez is much more than a simple success formula or the expressed desire for prosperity, is what makes it so fascinating to me. I find it to be more a yearning of the soul for finding one’s true calling and purpose in life according to God’s will.
We are best served to steer away from any inkling and falsity of a watered-down “name it and claim it” gospel that the loaves and fishes followers pursue to themselves convey to the unfortunate misleading of many.