Voiceofgod

Luke 2:52 NKJV
[52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

We see here Jesus Christ grew up in favor with God and Men.

Favor is different from Grace.

Grace is freely given but Favor is earned.

In the previous verse Luke 2:51 we see
Jesus came back to Nazareth and lived in  obedience to His parents.

It was recorded in
Luke 2:39, 42 CEV
[39]  After Joseph and Mary had done everything that the Law of the Lord commands, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.

[42] And when Jesus was twelve years old, they all went there as usual for the celebration.

From when Jesus was twelve years old , until he grew up to do the ministry,He stayed obeying His parents.

That is why he grew in favor because by obedience to God ‘s commandments he built trust .

God commanded children to obey their parents, Jesus did.

Colossians 3:20 NKJV
[20] Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

God commanded young men to keep his ways pure by hiding God’s words in his heart, and to fear God and depart from evil.
Jesus did.

Psalms 119:9 NKJV
[9] How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

By obedience you build trust and trust brings you favor as your reward.

Jesus grew so much so in favor with God,He new whatever He ask in prayer it shall be granted to him.

He himself said that

John 11:41-42 CEV
[41] After the stone had been rolled aside, Jesus looked up toward heaven and prayed, “Father, I thank you for answering my prayer. [42] I know that you always answer my prayers. But I said this, so the people here would believe you sent me.”

What an act of solid  confidence Jesus displayed here.

He says Father I know you will always answer my prayers.

How many of us want to have this kind of confidence that God will answer our prayers always.

Some of us do not even have confidence of our request being granted by our parents or supervisor or church leadership.

But Jesus did not gain this by the merit of being son of God .But he earned it by continuous obedience,

We see this in book of Isaiah
Isaiah 53:2 CEV
[2] Like a young plant or a root that sprouts in dry ground, the servant grew up obeying the Lord.

That is why he also received continuous favor from God.

We see God himself advocating for Jesus

Luke 9:34-35 CEV
[34] While Peter was still speaking, a shadow from a cloud passed over, and they were frightened as the cloud covered them. [35]  From the cloud a voice spoke, “This is my chosen Son. Listen to what he says.

Would we not love to see God advocating for us.

Acts 9:4-5 NKJV
[4] Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” [5] And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.

Who was Saul persecuting ?

The church,the believers who obeyed Jesus.

But what was Jesus saying?

Saul you are persecuting me!

God’s Favor brings to you His protection and your obedience is the key.

The prophet obeyed.
his wife and sons received the favor of a life time settlement.

II Kings 4:1, 6 NKJV
[1] A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.”

II Kings 4:2-4 NKJV
[2] So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” [3] Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. [4] And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.”

[6] Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased.

Do you want to see your family and your generations receive God’s immense favor?

He is not asking us for more ,

Matthew 22:37, 39-40 CEV
[37]  Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

[39]  The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” [40] All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments. 

Our obedience to these commandments is what all it takes to unlock His immense favor. The favour of a king itself is like a cloud that brings spring rain! Much more lovely and extravaganza will be the favour of God.

Proverbs 16:15 NKJV
[15] In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.

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