by FAVOUR
Somewhere in the Bible, it says, “…God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34). Mary was humble, upright, and did what was acceptable in the sight of God. Hence, she was favoured by God through the angel, Gabriel (Luke 1:26-28). Through this divine favour to Mary came the incarnation or Christmas as we know it today and since then the world has not been the same again.
David was another recipient of God’s favour; but because he failed to live a humble and upright life, God did not want David to build a house for him. Rather, God sent the Prophet, Nathan, to tell David that his son Solomon would be the one to build the temple and that his posterity will reign forever (2 Sam 7:1-16). The book of Chronicles gives the reason for the change in plans: You have shed much blood and you have waged great wars; you may not build a house in my honour, because you have shed too much blood upon the earth in my sight” (1 Chr. 22:8-10). Eventually, Nathan’s prophecy was fulfilled and a descendant of David who would reign forever; Jesus, the son of Mary, was born.
The lesson here is that God uses upright and peaceful people to bless the world. Although David was favoured, he let himself be misused by men and so he lost his favoured position.
God’s word is irrevocable. Sometimes, we wrongly think that we can buy favour from God or misuse God’s favour; we think that things will always remain the same. God’s favour is earned not negotiated. The greater lesson here is that God blesses human beings abundantly and can use us for divine things, but sometimes we mess up big time. Don’t be deceived by the way men run around you, to think you are favoured, so anything goes. No. Indeed, it’s not so. At the end of the day, the verdict of human beings may not necessarily be that of God.
Mary earned God’s favour through her cooperation with the grace of God, which she fought to preserve. David, on the other hand, abused this favour through over-indulgence in his humanity. If you want to win God’s favour, do not depend too much on human approval, but always seek to know and do God’s will. Through you, God might choose to bless your family, your community, or the larger world like he did through Mary at the first Christmas. Remember, nothing is impossible with God, so gear yourself up and be ready for God’s favour this coming year. “Do not be afraid…You have found favour with God” (Luke 1:30).
Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Obele Abue
Is the Vicar General of the Of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, and Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Igoli.
