The Favor of God is Found at the Throne of His Grace
James 4:6, 8a, & 10 says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. …Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you… Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” What is grace? The word is chanan (khaw-nan) which means “to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; unmerited favor; bestow; beseech; to grant graciously; entreat; merciful; move to favor by petition; and God’s ability. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” In other words, the new birth and walking in the delivering power of God (salvation) is received by a confidence in the Lord and His holy Word. It is a gift, a gift that must be received. Where do I get this grace (God’s favor and ability)? Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” We are to come to God’s throne of grace. As we saw in James 4, grace comes as we humble ourselves (v.6) in drawing near to God (v.8) in the sight of the Lord (v.10).
Many times in Scripture it says that people found grace or favor (the same word) in the sight of the Lord. For example, in Genesis 6:8, “Noah found grace in the eyes (sight) of the Lord.” Remember the definition for grace is “move to favor by petition.” Those who draw near to God in obedience to Him (and oftentimes, making petition) find His favor and ability.
Gabriel was sent from God to the virgin Mary and said, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women…for thou hast found favour with God…thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus” (Lk. 1:26-31). Mary was obviously a woman who humbled herself before God and found grace in His sight. She humbled herself to the will of God in offering herself to God in carrying the Son of God in her womb; but she had walked in humility before Gabriel’s arrival. Now, notice in verse 28, that she was “highly favoured.” This term is found only twice in Scripture. Ephesians 1:6 is the other time, and it says, “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted (highly favoured) in the beloved (Jesus).” Did you get that? If you are born again, you are “highly favoured.” Just like Mary? She housed the Son of God but so do we by the Holy Spirit. Well, glory! Again, we are “highly favoured”, but are we positioned to receive? Are we humbled in our obedience?
God’s grace, His favour, is there at his throne, the mercy seat. How many will never make their way to His throne to receive His favour and ability? How many of God’s children are seeking their own way and do not experience God’s best. “…And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). Come to the throne of God’s grace. He is waiting to favor you.