SATURDAY 28TH JULY 2018 MORNING PRAYER DEVOTION
SCRIPTURE READING:– 2 SAMUEL 9:1-13
TOPIC:- YOU ARE HIGHLY FAVOURED
TEXT:– LUKE 1:28
To understand deeply the highly favoured ones, some words must be discussed forthwith. Foremost, we must understand the meaning of the word, “mercy” and “favour” which are almost related, where sometimes, they can hardly be separated in meaning.
Mercy in Easton’s Bible dictionary says, “compassion for the miserable.” Its object is misery. But by the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards the sons of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness, Genesis 19:19.
Mercy from Webster’s dictionary is “that benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves. “The disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant.” That is, benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, being exercised only towards offenders.
Mercy in Arcus dictionary says, “leniency and compassion shown towards offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice. That is, compassionate or kindly forbearance shown towards an offender or enemy or other person in one’s power, Lamentations 3:22-23.
In Google Dictionary, mercy is, “compassion, pity or benevolence on a sinner,” Luke 23:39-43. See Psalms 23:6.
What then is favour? Favour in Arcus dictionary is “an act of gracious kindness.” it is something done or granted out of goodwill, rather than from justice or for remuneration but of a kind act.
Browsed from google dictionary.com, favour is “approval, support or liking for someone or something, i.e. an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.
Therefore, we can conclusively state that, “favour is the addition of kindness plus goodness plus mercy, which all equal to favour: [kindness + goodness + mercy = favour], that is the meaning of the word “favour”. For example, Esther that became queen in a foreign land. See the book of Esther.
What about being highly favoured? That is, favour raised into power two, i.e. double favoured, Luke 1:28-30. See 2 Samuel 9:1-13.
What then made Mary to be highly favoured? Let’s examine the following seven ways:
1. She was a virgin, and definitely keeping her self to be one of those expectant to be used by God for the coming Messiah, Luke 1:26-38. Note Luke 2:19, 22-38.
2. She was visited by an angel, in a special way, i.e. angel Gabriel who use to stay in the presence of God, Luke 1:19. See Luke 1:26-28.
3. She was first greeted by the angel and not vise-visa, Genesis 18:2; Judges 13:3. See Luke 1:28-29.
4. The angel told her, “The Lord is with you.” that was a fulfilled prophecy, Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14. See Luke 1:28-30.
5. She was called “blessed”, Judges 6:14. See Luke 1:28.
6. She was said to be more blessed than all other women, Genesis 12:1-3. See Luke 1:31-35.
7. She was the first and only woman and also the last, i.e. the only woman to have pregnancy without the meeting of a man. See Matthew 1:18-21.
Prayer Points:-
1. You evil arrow targeted against me and my family, backfire now, in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Oh Lord God of possibilities, let all my impossibility be made possible henceforth, in the name of Jesus Christ.
3. Favour of God! Locate me now by fire, and help me to be highly favoured henceforth, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Beautiful Saturday!
