Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:God's attention and favor refer to the divine regard and benevolence that God extends towards His creation, particularly His people. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God's personal involvement and gracious disposition towards humanity are consistently highlighted. God's favor is often associated with His blessings, protection, and guidance, reflecting His loving and covenantal relationship with His people.
Biblical Foundations:The Bible frequently speaks of God's attention and favor as expressions of His love and mercy. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "chen" is often translated as "favor" and denotes grace, kindness, and goodwill. Similarly, in the New Testament, the Greek word "charis" conveys the idea of grace and favor.
Old Testament Examples:1.
Noah: In
Genesis 6:8, it is written, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." This favor resulted in Noah being chosen to build the ark and preserve humanity and animal life from the flood.
2.
Moses: Exodus 33:17 records God's words to Moses: "I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name." God's favor towards Moses is evident in the leadership and guidance provided to him throughout the Exodus journey.
3.
David: In
1 Samuel 16:22, King Saul expresses his favor towards David, saying, "Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight." God's favor is further demonstrated in David's anointing as king and his enduring legacy.
New Testament Examples:1.
Mary: In
Luke 1:30, the angel Gabriel tells Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." This favor is manifested in her being chosen as the mother of Jesus, the Messiah.
2.
Jesus: Luke 2:52 states, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Jesus' life exemplifies the perfect harmony of divine favor and human obedience.
3.
Early Church: Acts 2:47 describes the early believers as "praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." The favor of God and the community contributed to the growth of the early church.
Theological Implications:God's attention and favor are not earned by human merit but are gifts of His grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes this truth: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." God's favor is often linked to His sovereign choice and purpose, as seen in
Romans 9:15-16: "For He says to Moses: 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then, it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy."
Practical Aspects:Believers are encouraged to seek God's favor through prayer, obedience, and humility.
Proverbs 3:3-4 advises, "Let loving devotion and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man." The pursuit of a righteous life aligns with God's will and opens the way for His favor.
Conclusion:While God's favor is a profound blessing, it also carries the responsibility of living in accordance with His will. The Bible assures believers that God's attention and favor are available to those who earnestly seek Him and walk in His ways.