Originally posted: 01/22/2019
Favor: “gracious kindness; approving consideration or attention; an attitude of approval or liking; friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior; an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.”
Perhaps a thought came after reading Genesis 23 that went something like this, “LORD, where are You, in this story of Sarah’s death and burial, in Abraham’s grief and funeral preparations? Your Name is not even mentioned.” It seems as though the writer stood mute on the LORD’s presence and involvement. But His Favor over Abraham is there, between the lines, His Favor is there!
Let us Look Closer and Consider His Favor
His Favor… The LORD granted Abraham and Sarah almost four decades to raise and enjoy their son together. “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, ‘Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?’” (Genesis 17:17). “Now Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years,” (23:1).
His Favor… The LORD comforted Abraham. Abraham “was called the friend of God,” (James 2:23). Almighty God had come, on so many occasions, to personally speak with and counsel Abraham. Surely the LORD was there, with His friend, when “Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and weep for her,” for He is “the Father of all mercies and God of all comfort,” (2 Corinthians 1:3).
His Favor… The LORD granted Abraham favor in the eyes of men. Although he was “a stranger and sojourner among [them]” (23:4), Abraham was held in highest regard by the Hittites he lived among. “Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our graves; none of us will refuse you…” (23:6).
His Favor… The LORD endowed Abraham with integrity, enabling him to remain indebted only to his God, and never to man. “Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard,” (23:16).
His Favor… The LORD provided not only for Abraham’s needs, but also imparted assets and honorable reputation. “So Ephron’s field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, that were within all the confines of its border, were deeded over to Abraham for a possession in the presence of the sons of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city,” (23:18).
How can we find His favor? Let’s examine and meditate over two passages from His Word for guidance.
My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man, (Proverbs 3:1-4).
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).
He has told us what is good. Let us daily and prayerfully commit to:
- Remember His teaching.
- Keep His commands.
- Love and demonstrate kindness.
- Know and live truth.
- Do justice (the right thing).
- Walk in humility with our God.
It is His Favor that will enable and empower us to walk in humility and obedience. And when life’s circumstances seem to hide His Presence, let us hold on to His truth by faith! His Favor is there!
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand,” (Isaiah 41:10).