The LORD's Favor

The concept of the LORD's favor is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, signifying God's grace, blessing, and approval upon individuals, nations, or actions. The favor of the LORD is often associated with His covenantal promises and is depicted as a source of protection, prosperity, and guidance.

In the Old Testament, the LORD's favor is frequently linked to obedience and righteousness. For instance, in Genesis 6:8, "Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD," highlighting Noah's righteousness amidst a corrupt generation. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 2:26, "And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men," indicating that Samuel's faithful service and dedication were met with divine approval.

The Psalms often express a longing for the LORD's favor, as seen in Psalm 30:5, "For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning." This verse underscores the enduring nature of God's favor compared to His temporary displeasure. Psalm 90:17 also reflects this desire: "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands."

In the New Testament, the favor of the LORD is embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:52 states, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." The favor of God is extended to humanity through the grace offered by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, as seen in Ephesians 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God."

The LORD's Rejection

Conversely, the LORD's rejection is depicted as the withdrawal of His favor, often as a response to disobedience, idolatry, or unfaithfulness. This rejection serves as a form of divine judgment and a call to repentance.

In the Old Testament, the rejection of the LORD is vividly illustrated in the history of Israel. In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet Samuel declares to King Saul, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." Saul's disobedience led to the loss of God's favor and his eventual downfall. Similarly, in Hosea 4:6, the LORD laments, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests."

The prophets frequently warned of the consequences of turning away from the LORD. In Jeremiah 6:30, the LORD declares, "They are called rejected silver, because the LORD has rejected them." This rejection is not arbitrary but is a response to persistent sin and rebellion.

In the New Testament, the theme of rejection is also present. Jesus warns of the consequences of rejecting Him and His message. In Matthew 21:42, Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," referring to Himself as the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan, despite being rejected by the religious leaders.

The LORD's rejection serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience. Yet, it is also accompanied by the hope of restoration through repentance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."

In summary, the LORD's favor and rejection are central themes that underscore the relationship between God and His people, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, while always pointing towards the possibility of redemption and restoration through repentance and faith.