Favor

FAVOR

Part 9 of 10 in Promises of God Series

1 John 5:14-15

“This is the confidence we have when approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

“Mom, may I get the new iPod for my birthday?” nine year old Miguel asked.

“We’ll see, honey” Miguel’s mom answered. “Things are pretty tight right now. I promise that we’ll celebrate your birthday with as many good things that we can afford.”

Money is the only limitation earthly parents have in showering their children with gifts. Responsible parents provide shelter, food, and clothing first. “Extras” are luxuries, treats that delight. Denying children anything because there’s not enough money, hurts parents deeply.

God doesn’t have money limitations. Matthew 7:8 says that all we have to do is ask! (The opening Scripture agrees). Luke 11:11 says, “Which one of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give you the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

God specializes in favors. “Favor” is kindness. Not all favors are returned kindness for something received. Sometimes, favors are unearned.

The word, favor, is found several places in the Bible:

Exodus 33:12 says, “Moses said to the Lord, ‘You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’” Moses recognized God’s favor towards him.

Leviticus 26:9 again shows God’s favor toward Moses, and the Israelites: “I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep My covenant with you.” God reveals blessings for Israel in verses 10-12: He would increase their harvest, dwell with, and walk among them.

Psalm 5:12 says, “For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous, You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.” God’s favor surrounds righteous people (you and me). 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Take Home Nugget

Jesus learned about the Fathers favor, too. Luke 2:52 confirms, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

The best of all God’s favor
Comes to those who long to see His face.
His presence is most what they savor,
Resting solely in His grace.

JD Griffith

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