"As it is written in the law of Moses, all this calamity has come on us; yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our iniquity and giving attention to Thy truth." (Daniel 9:13, NASB)
The Amplified says, "have understanding and become wise in Your truth." The KJV says, "that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth." The word translated, "understand," literally means, "intelligent." You and I are called to be "intelligent in Thy Truth."
I want to focus today, however, on a word in our text of which I have heard much talk in recent years, "favor." But whose or what kind of "favor" is it of which they speak? Prophets hand it out as though it were theirs to dispense. Much of the time it just means getting an unexpected job promotion, new car, or check in the mail so you can "sow" it into some "ministry" and receive even more favor. But "the favor of the Lord" is so much more than this, sometimes even of another "kind."
Some talk of "favor" as though it just appears on certain people or certain groups. Many believe that we can worship and pray down favor, or, perhaps the worst, we can expect favor because we simply deserve it. But if we are to understand "the favor of the Lord," we must understand our text. The key word here is, "by." This little word reveals a truth little heard of today in Christian circles. "The favor of the LORD our God" comes to us "by turning from our iniquity and giv[ing] attention to Thy truth." I have never heard favor discussed in these terms. The reason is probably that it requires something of us------------------------ "Holiness to the Lord!"
Today, the Word of God, Who is Jesus Christ, is saying to us all what He said to Moses of His Words, "They are not just idle words for you--- they are your life." Could we say, "favor?" If we turn "from...iniquity" and give "attention to ('understanding,' and become more 'intelligent in') Thy truth," we will watch "the favor of the Lord" Jesus Christ flow like a beautiful mountain stream.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess that I do not deserve nor can I earn Your Favor, but I can turn from my iniquity and give "attention to Your Truth." Holy Spirit, grant me Your grace to so do. Amen.
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
