Enjoy God's Favour
On Sunday we concluded a short series called Finding the Favour of God. If you were with us, you know it was an unusual service. Never before had a sermon I had prepared earlier in the week been so real to me. I personally experienced the Favour of God, right there in front of you. It was pretty cool. I am so grateful for God’s faithfulness.
So let me ask you, have you ever sat back and reflected on how faithful God has been to you and how blessed you are?
King David did. In 2 Samuel 7:18 he said:
‘Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
As David reflected on the blessing of God in his life he was overwhelmed. God had told him that he would establish his kingdom and raise up a descendant who would “build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). Imagine, David, a mere shepherd boy, had been blessed by God in battle and then elevated to become Israel’s king. As if that wasn’t enough, God now promised him an eternal kingdom. David was humbled and in awe of what the Lord had done for him.
A thousand years later, this story of God’s covenant with David still lingered in the imagination of God’s people. As Stephen reflected on Israel’s history, he emphasized that David had “enjoyed God’s favour” (Acts 7:46). Although David had “earned” nothing, God’s blessing had flowed abundantly.
So, how had David received God’s “favour”? Often the Greek used in Acts 7:46 is translated as “grace.” Grace is God’s unmerited favour. It reflects actions that cause joy and pleasure without any expectation of return. David had realized the miracle of God’s favour. This was the same favour shown to Mary when the angel told her, “You have found favour with God” (Luke 1:30). And this favour was demonstrated as Jesus increased “in favour with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
And here is the great news: as God’s children, we are the beneficiaries of God’s grace and favour. John says, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). In Jesus, our Heavenly Father has poured out his abundant grace on us. No greater gift could be given. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Rom 8:32).
So what does that mean for you and me today? It means that all we need to do is enjoy God’s favour, to live in the reality that God loves us beyond measure.
Like David, take a moment and reflect on what God has done for you. As you do, I know you will conclude that God loves you. Live in that security and enjoy God’s favour.
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. Don’t forget that special person who brought you into the world, and be thankful! We will be honouring all our mom’s this Sunday, so be sure to join us.
This Sunday we are also starting a new series called Ephesians, and (you guessed it) over the next several weeks we will be working through the book of Ephesians, digging deep into God’s Word. Join us!