Isaiah 66:2 “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word”.
Three important virtues attract God’s favour – humility, subservience and reverential fear of God. Meekness manifests as power and confidence in Christ Jesus and as an unshakable trust in His Word. Contrite spirit is a heart that is alert and agile to refrain from the sins of the past. It is a virtue of true repentance and a resoluteness to never go back to the dirty deeds of darknesses. Trembling at God’s word is to accept His Word as the absolute truth without excuses, arguments or laxity. These character traits attract the attention of the Lord and will make our heart His favorite destination.
The virgin Mary was an ordinary poor teenager yet she was rich in character that made her the most blessed among all women. She was highly favored simply because she was sincere, subservient and submitted. “The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured!” (Luke 1:28). She was not just favoured but “highly favoured”. For simplicity of understanding – “favoured” is like a national award, “highly favoured” is like “noble peace award”. Though the favour of the Lord can never be compared to earthly awards, this analogy helps us understand the vast difference between them.
The Lord God needed the womb of a woman with a humble and contrite spirit and who trembles at His Word. At the time of visitation Mary had not conceived the Messiah. The angel said, “You will conceive and give birth to a son” (vs 31), and Mary’s response to the ambiguous command was “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38). The Lord needed her modest submission to His Word before He could execute His divine plan. Her humility flooded her life with favour and her womb with the Messiah.
God’s Favorite Destination:
- Submission: Humility is not timidity to be pushed around but boldness to agree with God’s plan.
- Subservience: Obedience to God’s Word and subservience to His call is better than sacrifice.
- Sanctification: Contrite spirit is a posture of consecration and sanctification.
The humble are highly favoured.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I submit to your voice and surrender to your Word. Amen.
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