Today’s Scripture: Psalm 5:12
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favour You will surround him as with a shield.
Billy Graham was once driving fast through a small southern town, when he was stopped by a policeman and charged with over speeding. Graham admitted his guilt, but was told by the officer that he would have to appear in court.
In court the judge asked, “Guilty, or not guilty?” When Graham pleaded guilty, the judge replied, “That’ll be ten dollars — a dollar for every mile you went over the limit.”
Suddenly the judge recognized the famous minister. “You have violated the law,” he said. “The fine must be paid–but I am going to pay it for you.” He took a ten dollar bill from his own wallet, attached it to the ticket, and then took Graham out and bought him a steak dinner! “That,” said Billy Graham, “is how God treats repentant sinners!”
The concept of favour has some very interesting connotations. It implies showing special kindness to a person or persons; to treat with exceptional goodwill; to show partiality or to give preferential treatment. What the judge showed Billy Graham was exceptional kindness; a preferential treatment of some sort. What the judge showed Billy Graham was favour. Graham found favour with an earthly judge on the strength of his widely perceived uprightness. We, on the strength of Jesus’ righteousness, imputed to us by God, have found favour with God – the Judge of all.
Our opening scripture boldly proclaims that God will bless and surround the righteous with favour like a shield. And the Bible tells us we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). Expect the favour of God to distinguish you today and always, to get you out of sticky situations, to promote you above and beyond your natural capacity, and to defend you. Live everyday knowing that the favour of God encompasses you.
We found favour in God’s sight when we first believed. He blotted out all the sins that had hitherto been counted against us and gave us an inheritance we did not deserve. That favour is still at work on our behalf, available to us in the daily, practical details of everyday life. Take your eyes away from your human frailties and walk in the light of who the Bible says you are – the righteousness of God in Christ. Walk in the favour of God. You are unstoppable! You have a heritage of favour.
Memorise & Meditate:
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Prayer & Confession:
Thank You, Father, for saving me. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Your favour surrounds me like a shield. I am favoured, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
