As the people of God, we should never allow the circumstances of life to dictate our lives. We know that greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. At some time prior to the Assyrian campaign of 701 B.C., Hezekiah, King of Judah, was sick unto death. The prophet Isaiah came to him with the message to “Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.” “Get your will updated, ensure your final arrangements are completed, particularly in respect to throne succession.” Such were the circumstances confronting King Hezekiah. Moreover, there is the final declaration, “thou shalt die, and not live.”
Look how Hezekiah dealt with this staggering circumstance in his life. Hezekiah prayed! “I beseech thee, O lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.” (2 Kings 20:3)
Hezekiah’s prayer is not an appeal for divine favor that is based on good works, but it expresses the realization that the Lord graciously favors those who earnestly serve Him.
Another Godly King declared: “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of hands hath He recompensed me.” (2 Samuel 22:21)
While David’s statements may give the impression of self-righteous boasting and a meritorious basis for divine favor, they must be understood in the context as:
- David’s desire to please the Lord in his service as the Lord’s anointed
- His recognition that the Lord rewards those who faithfully seek to serve Him.
Know this, dear ones, whatever you are experiencing in life, God favors those who earnestly serve Him.
To that end, favor IS fair. Enjoy His favor as you seek to serve Him.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
