Tuesday 31 January 2017

The Favour of God and Man


Scripture: Isaiah 66 v 1 - 2:  "Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."
Luke 2 v 52: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

The more humble we are, the more we see spiritually, and the more we grow in grace, the unmerited favour of God.  To be humble is not a weakness, it is a result of putting our strengths under control of the Holy Spirit.  God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

As Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, so must we follow Him to gain deeper insight into the Word and purposes of God for our lives.  His stature never meant that He could lord His religion over others as the Pharisees did, but that He could comfort and reassure those who followed Him of eternal life, salvation, healing, deliverance and victory over the enemy.

When you finally overcome your flesh and its demands, you enter in to God's real purpose for your life.  He singles you out and takes you out of the mainstream to deal with you face to face in a beautiful way.  When this happens you are receiving the favour of God and the world and its ways no longer have a grip on your soul.  The relationship between your Father God and yourself gains a new dimension and nothing exists to replace this sweet fellowship.

Our Father longs for every Christian to reach this unique place in their spiritual walk.  His favour falls on those who tremble at His Word.  He instantly knows when you are ready to move forward with Him into the depths of experience with Him.  From this moment on you are filled with the wonder of God.  He fills your thoughts, He communicates with you constantly.  The mundane issues of life are turned into opportunities to serve Him in every way possible.

People who walk in this bright light of God's favour, will also find favour with man.  There are no obstacles when people love the Lord.  Life flows smoothly and closed doors fly open, and the ministry He has given you blossoms and grows.  He leaves you in no doubt of what that ministry is, and as you obey His promptings miracles of salvation, healing and deliverance abound around you.

He pours out His Spirit upon those who are truly aware of His mighty power, but never abuse this power to make themselves great.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to enhance your ministry as you learn to be Christ-like in your dealings with others.

The meek are called poor, not because they lack wealth, but because they do not rely on high self-esteem. They know they are unworthy to exalt themselves with pride and arrogance.  Having good self-esteem is the catchword of preachers and psychiatrists alike. It is a barrier to anyone who is poor and contrite and who trembles at God's Word. For in God's Word there is a mirror for our souls and it must bring us to our knees when we see how imperfect we still are.

So if you are seeking a deep and holy walk with Our Father in spirit and truth, abandon your pride, ruthless ambition, and self glory, to yield completely to our all-sufficient God, who will favour your trembling heart above all others who are caught up in their own abilities.  When you tremble at His Word, you are acknowledging His authority and your need to obey it.  And obey it you must if you want to live in the favour of God and Man.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father how we long for the courts of Heaven where we will dwell securely with You forever. Help us to know that Your power is used for our protection and help at all times. Let us tremble in awe before Your majesty.   In Jesus' name.  Amen.