HIS FAVOR AND ESTEEM

I love to be appreciated. I don't know of anyone who doesn't desire this. The concept is a healthy one and it is usually given if received. In the same Family as the idea of Appreciation is the notion of being Esteemed. According to the dictionary, the word "esteemed" means to regard highly or favorably; regard with respect or admiration. I would go a step further and say - without the Favor of God in our lives, esteem would not arrive or lasting esteem anyway.

The two Biblical examples of esteem and/or favor that pop in my mind and spirit immediately are Daniel and Mary (the mother of Jesus). In both cases the Head Messenger Angel, Gabriel, delivers an incredible, uplifting and encouraging greeting. With Daniel, Gabriel visited three times (Daniel 9:23; 10:11; 10:19) and said, "...you who are highly esteemed...". With Mary, Gabriel visited once and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28) And as I started reading the Gospel of Matthew I noticed right away that even in the genealogy of Jesus, Mary stood out among a long list of fathers. (Matthew 1:1-16) On purpose? I think and believe so.

I don't have any indication that Daniel or Mary did any particular thing to catch the eye of God for the Courts of Heaven to esteem or favor them. I believe God has a Plan for each of us. I feel Daniel and Mary must have been as close to a right relationship with God as you can get without Salvation through Christ. The kind of salutation they received and the subsequent blessing throughout their lives was indicative of a close walk with God. 

Why would any organization place more confidence in someone who does not value the company's ideas, strategies and goals? Any business desires to have a team environment toward their mission statement. The Kingdom of Heaven's business is about loving everyone into Eternity through Christ Jesus and then continuing to love on them through all kinds of support mechanisms. This is why we are called The Family of God. I believe God saw the individual plan for Daniel's and Mary's lives, plus the overall Kingdom Advancement Plan and their role in it. Then He sent a special messenger to encourage them in their duty.

My encouragement today and always is - "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) - and God, in His good time will grant upon you His Favor And Esteem. 

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