What does "He has looked with favor" reveal about God's character? Setting the Scene • Luke 1:48: “For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.” • Mary rejoices that the Almighty deliberately fixed His gaze on someone the world would have overlooked—a young, poor, small-town girl. What “looked with favor” Tells Us about God • Attentive—God sees specific individuals, not faceless masses. – Psalm 33:13-15: “The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the children of men … He observes all their deeds.” • Personal—His look is not casual observation but active, affectionate regard. – Genesis 16:13: Hagar names Him, “You are the God who sees me.” • Gracious—Favor is unearned kindness. – Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace you have been saved …” • Compassionate toward the lowly—He delights to exalt the humble. – Isaiah 57:15: “I dwell … with him who is contrite and humble in spirit.” – 1 Samuel 2:8: “He raises the poor from the dust … to set them among princes.” • Faithful to His promises—Mary’s pregnancy fulfills long-awaited covenant hope (Genesis 3:15; 2 Samuel 7:12-16). God’s favor springs from covenant loyalty, not mood or whim. • Sovereign and Initiative-taking—He acts first; Mary merely receives. – John 15:16: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” Woven Through the Whole Bible • Abel – Genesis 4:4: “The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” God honors sincere worship. • Noah – Genesis 6:8: “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” God’s rescue plan starts with grace. • Israel – Exodus 3:7: “I have surely seen the affliction of My people … and I have come down to rescue them.” • Church – 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves … casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Snapshots of God’s Character • Eyes that notice—nothing escapes His gaze. • Heart that bends low—majesty mingled with meekness. • Hands that lift up—favor leads to action and elevation. • Mouth that blesses—He declares the humble “blessed,” reversing earthly rankings. Take-Home Encouragement • If He noticed Mary, He notices you; status, wealth, and pedigree do not sway Him. • Approach Him confidently; His favor flows from His nature, not your résumé. • Stay humble; His smile rests on the contrite, not the self-reliant (James 4:6). Summing It Up “He has looked with favor” unveils a God who sees, stoops, and showers grace on the humble—proving once more that the Lord of heaven delights to make Himself the Friend of the lowly and the Fountain of every blessing. |
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