The Favor of God

Key Scripture Passage:

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:39-40)

Reflect:

Who gains favor (or rank or promotion) in a military setting? Typically the one who does things by the book, right? Mary and Joseph were people “of the book” (the Bible) and raised Jesus according to the “Law of the Lord.” We can look to some of Jesus’s examples:

Jesus and his family were obedient.

If they “performed everything according to the law of the Lord” then they 1) knew God’s Word and 2) obeyed it! Like the examples of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, we demonstrate our love for God by knowing and obeying his word (John 15).

Jesus was filled with wisdom, which comes from God.

James 1 says if we lack wisdom we need only to ask God and believe he will provide generously. Proverbs 9 says reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 4 says to get God’s wisdom even if it costs all we have.

God’s favor has everything to do with accepting his gift of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor. Now is the day of salvation.” Open this gift without delay!

Respond:

• Read Proverbs 3:3-6 (an all-time favorite!) and note what you learn about God’s favor:

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
   bind them around your neck;
   write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
   in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
   and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,
   and he will make straight your paths.