“Wondrous Star of Night” by Andrew Weatherly
God’s favor for all
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. — Luke 4:18–19
… for he has looked with favor … — Luke 1:48
A powerful Old Testament practice was the Jubilee Year, also called the Year of God’s Favor. Every 50th year, debts were forgiven, family lands restored, slaves and prisoners set free. Early in the Gospel of Luke, while visiting the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus chose to read Isaiah’s prophecy of how the Messiah would inaugurate this era of favor for both Jews and Gentiles. Rolling up the scroll, Jesus said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Isn’t this the gospel in a nutshell? God loves everyone equally, but God has special favor for the lowliest in our world. Jesus proclaimed this new age: a time when a Palestinian maiden becomes the Savior’s mother, fishermen transform into disciples and outcasts are welcome at the table. Mary reminds us that in Christ, God looks upon us with favor. — KVT
With gratitude, can you list some ways that God has shown favor to you?
Loving God, thank you for looking upon us with never-ending mercy. Amen.