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 empowered Abraham’s faith, even in his grief. Abraham’s insistence on transfer of ownership: “that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he owns, which is at the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in your presence for a burial site (23:9), attested to his firm belief in the promise of God…“I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God,” (Genesis 17:8).
His Favor… The LORD provided for Abraham’s need: 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 18 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: 17-18).
In this first piece of Abraham’s inheritance from the LORD, His Favor was upon His servant to strengthen his faith and embolden his obedience; ever reminding Abraham to keep looking to His Favor and His Faithfulness to His Promise.
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10).
How can we respond and invite His Favor?
The following passages provide some guidance on how we, like Abraham, can choose to invite His Favor (His gracious kindness; His approving consideration and attention; His attitude of approval or liking; His friendly regard shown toward His servants; His act of kindness beyond what is due or usual):
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).
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).
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful, (Hebrews 10:23).
He has told us His good requirements that will invite His Favor. Let us respond by daily and prayerfully committing to:
- Do justice (do what is proper and right).
- Love and demonstrate kindness.
- Walk in humility with our God.
- Remember His teaching.
- Keep His commands.
- Memorize and meditate on His Word of Truth.
- Hold on to Him with unwavering hope.
It is His Favor that will enable and empower us to walk in a way that pleases and honors Him. When life’s circumstances seem to hide His Presence, let us hold on to His Truth by faith and with thanksgiving… for surely, 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).
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His faithfulness is everlasting, (1 Chronicles 16:34).