These are the ones I look on with favour: those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word (Isaiah 66:2)
Whether or not God has favourites is a tricky question because it is based upon our human
understanding of favouritism, which usually means unfair treatment of anyone who is not
favoured. To completely understand the answer, we have to start with the truth that God
is always just. We know He loves everyone because every human being is created in His
image. God’s judgement is always right, so that if He favours someone, it is the only right
thing to do (Deuteronomy 32:4).
So is God’s favour arbitrary? Do our choices have any impact on whether we are among His
favourites? Psalm 5:12 says, For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with
favour as with a shield. Our lead text in Isaiah 66:2 indicates that humility, being contrite
in spirit, respect and obedience to God’s word will lead to favour with God. Similarly in 1
Samuel 2:20b God said…Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will
be disdained. It follows that every child of God who comes to Him through faith in Jesus
Christ has the favour of God. However, there is also special favour for those we live to
obey and please the Lord. As we grow in faith and seek to please Him, God demonstrates
His favour by drawing near to us. The result of His favour is His promise that All things
work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His
purpose. May we be among such special people.
Welcome to another day of warm fellowship and God’s rich blessings.
Pastors Marcus & Norah Chilaka