Luke 1:5-66; John 2:5 (Whatever He says, do it)
Before we look into the lives of Mary and Elisabeth, let's get a clear understanding of what God's "FAVOR" really means. Favor is the "undeserved kindness of God" and we can identify God's Favor when we see three things happening:
1. God has sovereignly chosen a recipient of His Grace.
2. God has blessed that recipient in one way or another.
3. God has intentions that His blessing be shared with others.
So God's Favor is granted to people, not simply for their own enjoyment, but in order for the lives of others to be changed and God to be glorified because of it.
In the reading and studying of the above scriptures, 5 major events have transpired that give clear examples of the FAVOR of God:
1. Birth of John the Baptist foretold (Old, barren, married woman named Elisabeth finds Favor with the Lord).
2. Birth of Jesus foretold (An engaged virgin named Mary finds Favor with the Lord).
3. Mary visits Elisabeth (Mary immediately begins her missionary work and finds Favor in doing so).
4. Mary's Song of Praise (Mary believes God and takes Him at His word and obtains FAVOR from the Lord).
5. Jesus turns water into wine (Mary instructs the servants "whatever He tells you, do it." (FAVOR)
In Luke 1:5-25, we read about Elisabeth, who was an old, barren, married woman who the bible says lived honorably before God, careful in keeping in the ways of the commandments of God and enjoying a clear conscience before God. Because of this, the prayers of her husband were heard and Elisabeth would bear a son, John the Baptist, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit the moment he leaves his mother's womb (Luke 1:15). Elisabeth finds FAVOR in the Lord and is given a NEW IDENTITY - no longer will she be called "The Barren Woman", but she will forever be known as "The Mother of John the Baptist." Do you find yourself identifying with Elisabeth in that the world may call you one thing, but God has given you a new name and a new identity in Him? As with Elisabeth, a "relationship" with God is key to your new identity.
In Luke 1:26-45, we read about an engaged virgin named Mary, who is beautifully greeted by an Angel named Gabriel who tells her that not only would she give birth to Jesus, son of the Highest, but that her cousin Elisabeth was also pregnant. Mary asks "How can this be, seeing I know not a man?" Gabriel explains that nothing is impossible with God. Mary proclaims, "Yes, I see it all now: I'm the Lord's maid, and ready to serve." Mary trusted and believed God and she took God at His word (remember there were no phones to spread the news as we have today) and because of her faith in Her God, Mary rushes (she waists no time) to share the good news with Elisabeth and vs. 41 says that Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (FAVOR). How do you find yourself identifying with Mary's situation and how has God's FAVOR been operating in your life?
In Luke 1:46-55, Mary sings a Song of Praise to God for His FAVOR in not only her life but also in the lives of others. When was the last time the Lord spoke a word into your Spirit and you took Him at His word and because of that, you found FAVOR with the Lord and He brought that thing into existence? It was tangible. It was visible. It was present. But the key here is to sing your song of praise even before you see the manifestation of His promises (FAVOR) because what He has promised, He shall bring it to pass (FAVOR). Romans 8:28 says "And we know that ALL things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose."
Tomorrow we will look at John 2:5 and expound more on ways to obtain the FAVOR of God in your life.
Stay blessed and HIGHLY FAVORED beautiful Doves.
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