Read 1 Samuel 27:1-7
“Will you do me a favor?” That is a pretty familiar request made of us and by us. What are we actually asking for when we make this kind of request? Or when we hope our boss or our child’s teacher sees us favorably? Or make a statement like: “Mary, you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)?
Our definition of what it means to grant favor tends towards that of “favorite:” a person or thing particularly well liked and/or preferred. Behind our request for favor is a desire for a bit of preferential treatment, maybe an extra privilege or two, maybe some extra attention (positive, of course), or a special standing in their opinion. From our perspective, to favor is to be set a bit higher then others and somehow make us better then anyone else. Hidden behind our desire for favor or a favor is the belief that we some how deserve it or they owe us.
That does not fit at all with David’s request for favor from the Philistine king, Achish. (1 Samuel 27:5) He had done nothing for Achish that would have earned any special treatment. The only other time David had been in Achish’s throne room, he had acted like he was insane and kicked out of the country. (1 Samuel 21:10-15) Actually, David had been a champion warrior fighting against the Philistines for a good part of the last 15 years. Now David was in a humbling situation. He needed a favor, but he definitely did not deserve one.
There are 13 different Hebrew and Greek words translated “favor” in the Bible. None of them refer to preferential treatment or making someone better then anyone else. The word translated “favor” in verse 5, and used most often in Scripture, is chen, which actually means “grace!” The New Testament equivalent is charis, the word also translated “favor” in Luke 1:30. Favor/grace is a request for what is needed with the prevailing awareness that nothing is deserved.
What David (and we) need most is grace! Psalms 84:11 tells us that “The Lord gives grace (chen) and glory!” He often uses others to bestow it. When Achish chose to be gracious to David and give to him a small village on the outskirts of Philistia, it was actually God being incredibly gracious. Through Achish, God met their needs. The grace is underscored by the fact that it is not very clear as to whether David was where he was suppose to be or not.
By the grace of God we are the recipients of all forms of favor, especially grace. Grace is the manifestation of the love and character of God given without merit to any who are willing to receive it. Exodus 33:13 tells us that we need grace to live in grace and be gracious. The Holy Spirit graciously empowers us to freely give every form of favor to others, especially when we have every logical reason to withhold it. Grace shines the light of God’s glory into our lives and others.
Making It Personal
Asking for a favor can be humbling. David still asked. Do you find it hard to ask for favor/grace from others? God? Why?
Do you find it harder to grant favor/grace to some than others? Who and why?
What difference would it make if you saw it as God asking you to give it on His behalf?
Because of your relationship with Jesus Christ, God knows you by name and you have found favor/grace in His sight. (Exodus 33:17) How should this truth make you (1) more willing to be gracious, and (2) freely, yet humbly, seek favor/grace from God?
