Pastor John shared about Aaron’s prayer for his people in Numbers 6:24-26. In Numbers 6:25, God shining His face upon us is to have God focus His attention on us and shower favour upon our lives.
Pastor John shared a few things about the favour of God. It is God’s approval and preference for us that causes His extraordinary presence, goodness and blessing to manifest in our lives. It also has the effect of causing others to also prefer us and want to bless and do good towards us (Exodus 33:16). The favour of God upon our lives are marked by His manifest presence with us and His supernatural blessing upon us that distinguish us from all other people who do not have God (Exodus 33:17-18). The favour of God releases His goodness, grace and compassion upon us, revealing His glory upon our lives (Isaiah 60:10, Psalm 119: 58)!
Many examples of biblical characters were cited to illustrate how they had enjoyed favour with other people including their enemies due to God’s favour in their lives. They are :
a. Jacob (Gen 33:1-16)
b. Israelites (Exo 12:36)
c. Esther (Es 2:15, Es 7:3)
d. Joseph (Gen 39:4, Gen 39:21, Acts 7:9,)
e. Daniel (Daniel 1:9, 17,19)
f. David (Acts 7:46)
God gives favour freely. God's favour is for us to glorify Him and to point others to Him. As we walk in step in His will, He enables our paths to be straight and we walk under an open heaven of His grace. Through the example of Mary, Ps John shared the example of how God's favour is upon our lives to enable us to accomplish His purposes.
Lastly, Ps John mentioned about corporate favour. God's desire is for His church to grow as people come to know Him. As His church, may we be lovers of His presence and wise stewards of His favour.
Discussion Questions
1 What does ‘favour’ mean? What is your understanding of the word ‘favour’ in the bible? [10 min]
2 What can we learn about God’s favour from the scriptures below?[10 min]
a. Numbers 6:24
b. Exodus 33:13
c. Exodus 33:16
d. Luke 1:30
3 How does the favour of God benefit us? [15 min]
4 How would you like to walk in the favour of God? [10 min]
