1.21.24 Willisburg Bulletin
Favor in God’s Eyes
Favor is defined as an act of kindness beyond what is due. The biblical definition is God showing mercy, kindness, and delight demonstrated toward His people. We see many examples of this in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Proverbs 3:4 says, “and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” So, since this is something we are striving for, we ought to look at who found favor in God’s eyes and why. That will in turn answer, what is required of us to find favor in God’s eyes?
Noah
In Genesis 6:8 we are told Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. It was because he walked with God, just as it was mentioned in last week’s bulletin. God was grieved that He had created man, but because of Noah’s obedience, it pleased God; therefore, exhibiting grace to him and his family.
David
Acts 7:46 tells us David found favor before God in reference to 2 Samuel 6-7 where David was ecstatic to have erected a building for the ark of the covenant even when others despised him for it.
Abraham
It doesn’t come out directly saying he found favor, but he asked the Lord to stay, be fed, and have his feet washed if he had found favor. The Lord did have three men stay, symbolizing that he had for the promise of a son was being told to his family by these men.
Moses
The Lord told Moses that he had found grace in His sight for speaking to the people that they needed to repent for worshipping the golden calf.
Samuel
Samuel found favor in God’s eyes and mans (1 Sam 2:26) because he ministered to the people before the Lord, especially when “the word of the Lord was rare in those days” (1 Sam 3:1).
Joseph
In Genesis 39:4, Joseph found favor in Gods eyes. He endured much suffering in his life, yet forgave his brothers and told them that it was for good in God’s glory that they sold him.
Mary
Jesus’ mother was told by an angel that she had found favor with God and she would be blessed with the Son of God. What an example of a woman of God that she is.
Jesus
As Jesus grew up, he increased in favor with God and men (Lk 2:52) because He grew spiritually, constantly finding ways to be about His Father’s business.
Requirements For Us:
Just as Noah was distinctly different from the rest of the population, so should we. We ought to stand out amongst the crowd. We need to make a way for the Lord and His belongings to be protected as David did. This includes the Lord’s family, the place of worship, and the Word of God. And in return the Lord will grant protection and deliverance. Abraham obeyed the Lord any direction He sent him, just as we need to be ready wherever we are. Moses was willing to reject sin, showing us that we must be willing to boldly proclaim against it. God will know our name and will put us in the cleft of the rock. Not only about sin, but preaching the whole truth, all the Word, just as Samuel was willing to do and we will understand the Word better. We ought to trust the Lord even through our sufferings, just like Joseph, and the Lord will be with us. We are able to rejoice when we find favor with God as we will be blessed like Mary. The ultimate example that we are told to be more like found favor, so wouldn’t that mean we need to too? He was always about spiritual work, which needs to be our goal! Proverbs 3:1-4 tells us to find God’s favor by knowing the truth so deep that it is ingrained on our heart so we don’t forget the law and are able to obey the commands. And in return we will have long peaceful lives with God on our side.