Favor was Noticed

Scripture: Luke 1:57-58

Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.

Insights: Notice with me that Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives had heard about the Lord’s great mercy which had been displayed on her.  The Lord’s favor has been a theme over the past three weeks and it is portrayed again in this week’s history of the Christmas event.  One of the things I have mentioned about favor is that when the Lord’s favor is truly on you, people outside of the church (those lost without a Savior), often times begin talking about the Lord’s activity in your life.  Now, when I say those outside of the Lord’s family are talking about His activity within His family, I am in no way suggesting that we do not have to evangelize and tell other people about God’s work in our lives.  What I am saying, however, is in conjunction with our faithful activity of proclamation; the lost world will recognize God’s direct activity in our lives.  When they see His involvement in our affairs, they begin talking about His work.  The reason they talk is because they are amazed and in awe of what God is doing.  It is part of His work in drawing them to a saving relationship with Jesus.  Beloved, this makes me wonder what the Lord is doing in our lives that is so amazing and awe inspiring that people are taking notice of God’s activity.  God has not stopped working in this world.  He is still drawing people to Himself.  He is still a miracle working God.  We must be mindful of what God is doing and point others to His activity.  We must continually ask Him to let His favor fall on our lives.  When His favor is on us we will bear much fruit, but without His favor we can do nothing (John 15:5).  Let us surrender ourselves completely to His will and His ways and bring glory to Him.

Questions:

1. Are you experiencing the favor of the Lord in your life?
2. Have you been crying out to Him and asking Him to grant you His favor?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your grace and favor in my life.  May You continually increase Your favor on me daily.  As Your love is displayed on and in me, may I point others to You and Your glory.  Amen.