Favour of God

      Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel-- Daniel 1:9

            We know nothing of the early life of Daniel, except what is recorded in the book bearing his name. Daniel is a good example from the Bible of what the favor of God can accomplish. Daniel was one of the young men of Judah's royal family and other noble families who had been brought to Babylon as captives by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The Book of Daniel tells us that Daniel was "highly esteemed" by God (Daniel 10:19). Despite the fact that he lived in the midst of an evil pagan empire, and despite the fact that he maintained his spiritual integrity in that context, Daniel was given favor with the authorities of the realm and moved up the ranks as a result.

            The favor of God can be described as the esteem and approval of God that leads to blessings of one kind or another. In Daniel's case, the favor of God led to favor with the official. Having decided in his heart that he would not defile himself with the food and drink of the king, Daniel and his companions requested the master of the eunuchs, into whose hands they had been entrusted, permission to eat vegetables and drink water. A ten-day trial period was first granted, and at the end of that time their appearance was fairer and their bodies healthier than the other youths and permission was made permanent. God gave to Daniel and his companions knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and to Daniel understanding in all visions and dreams; so that at the end of the three years when the king examined them, he found them much superior to all the magicians and enchanters in every matter of wisdom and understanding.

      God’s favor, however, can be manifested in many ways.  For Moses, it meant receiving God's continuing presence and guidance for leading the people of Israel. Read Exodus 33:12-16: Then Moses said to the LORD, “Look, You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people up,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have found favor in My sight.’  Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.” And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” “If Your Presence does not go with us,” Moses replied, “do not lead us up from here.  For how then can it be known that Your people and I have found favor in Your sight unless You go with us? …”

            For Isaiah, it was the grant of a vision of God and a symbolic purification: This great prophet claims he saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.  Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: At the sound of their voices of praising the building shook to its very foundation, filling it with smoke.  Frightened to the core, convicted of his sinfulness and unworthiness, he screams “Woe to me. I am ruined. My eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty”(Isaiah 6:1-10). Isaiah comes out unscathed – assured of forgiveness, cleansed - commissioned for God’s service. He would go on to live for almost half a century, serving six kings. He also penned the most magnificent Bible book that bears his name.  

            The mother of Jesus was a typical Jewish believer of the best sort. She was a deeply meditative, but by no means a daring or original thinker. In her response to the angel’s disquieting information that she was going to have a baby, Mary's quiet and forceful personality is exhibited: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).

            Years later, when the wine ran out at the wedding at Cana, Mary turns naturally to Jesus as to the one from whom help is to be expected; she is entirely undisturbed by His reply, whatever its meaning may be; she prepares the way for the miracle by her authoritative directions to the servants; Jesus does actually relieve the situation by an exercise of power. Her spontaneous appeal to her Son did not result in disappointment, since,  in response to her suggestion or, at least, in harmony with it, He “manifested his glory.”

            For Noah, it meant being saved from the Great Flood (Genesis 6:8). For Joseph, it meant being rescued from a long period of incarceration and going on from there to become the second most powerful man in the land (Genesis 39:2, 21).  Hannah was greatly distressed because they had no children. She prayed earnestly for a male child whom she promised to dedicate to the Lord from his birth. The prayer was heard, and she called her son's name Samuel (“God hears”). When he was weaned he was carried to Shiloh to be trained by Eli, the priest. She was a prophetess of no ordinary talent, as is evident from her elevated poetic deliverance elicited by God's answer to her prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10).  Peter found favor in the eyes of the Lord that He sent a personal emissary to rescue him from the prison, at a time when James and Stephen died as martyrs (Acts 12:5-9).

            The list is long. How does one get the favor of God? Isaiah 66:2 quotes God as saying, "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word." God shows favor to those who seek His favor by loving Him, respecting Him, honoring Him, and taking delight in His Word. This does not mean one must be perfect. None of the people of the Bible who are recorded as receiving God's favor was perfect. It does mean, however, that one must have a heart for God. II Chronicles 16:9 says that "the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."

            One can also receive the favor of God simply by asking for it. Psalm 119 says, "I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise (Psalm 119:58 ESV). Today, as you live the life God has given you, why not ask Him for the favor, like Jesus had, "with God and man"? (Luke 2:52).

><><><><><><><><><