“And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus, they plundered the Egyptians.” ~ Exodus 12:36
REFERENCE:
The odd and unlikely happened on the day enslaved Israelites found favor with the Egyptians, their slave masters. It was unheard of that a slave, leaving against the wish of his master, would go to him and ask for his precious possessions, and the master would give him. That is what to expect when the favor of God is upon a man; the unusual and astonishing happen.
Favor is an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual, an overgenerous preferential treatment. It is approval, support, or a friendly regard shown toward another, especially by a superior. From our text, favor is God extending kindness to His children through very unlikely means, sources, and people. How do you explain that newly-freed slaves were very rich in gold?
Jesus paid for abundant life for you and me on His cross. His death was sufficient for abundant life, and it would take an eternity to unwrap all the benefits it offered. The Passover in Egypt typified the death of Jesus Christ. It liberated Israel from bondage to the Egyptians and was the basis for the favor they received. Also, Christ’s death sets us free from all bondages and secures us the favor of God; His unusual kindness, overgenerous show of love, and preferential treatment.
The people who held Israel as slaves and used and abused them for years without paying them were the same people whose hearts God turned to bless them with great wealth. God also gave them the Land of Promise. Although others had occupied it, He dispossessed them. He gave Israel not by their swords but by His favor (Psalms 44:3). One act of favor will do what your sword, lawyer, skills, learning, position, argument, begging, etc., would not do for you.
In the same order of favor that Israel received from their ‘enemy,’ expect God to do much more for you this season. Expect that the wealth of the Gentiles to come to you, those who tried to work against you, will be used to promote you, God will command people to bless you, and a strong sense of urgency will come upon them. Someone mean will suddenly be nice to you. Receive favor to make owning real estate easy. Expect favor with Egyptians.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Psalm 5:12, Ephesians 2:11-13, & Luke 1:26-30
PRAYER:
In this season of life, I will experience the favor of God in ways that will amaze me, help where I least expect it, a ‘yes’ or ‘an approval’ where I feel I lack merit, supply where the door was shut, results that will surpass my efforts, and blessings that will leave me wondering what I did to deserve them. I activate the favor of God right now; let it rest upon me, in Jesus’ name!
