Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. Luke 2:51-52
Meditate.
Consider how it is to be in God’s favor. What does that mean?
Favor with God. That is what my Mother said I had. Favor with God. His great lovingkindness. I am obedient, and because of that, God the Father looks on me with His approval—His kindness, lovingkindness. It feels good to please Him and to please my parents by obeying them. That’s easy to do. God is good and kind—always listening to me as I listen to Him. I love reading and memorizing scripture. The demands of family life with my Mother and Joseph, and with school, are also easy to obey. Life in Nazareth is complicated because the Romans make life tough for everyone, demanding more taxes. The army is cruel to people and takes land, cattle, and even children or teens when the required taxation can’t be met. Life can be scary, but as long as we have family and friends nearby, we find contentment, joy, and even happiness. God blesses our family and provides all we need, just as David wrote in the Psalms.
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all
that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful
streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor
to his name. Psalm
23:1-3
Sheep in green pastures in Israel.
Were the pastures "greener" in David's time?
Because I
found favor in God’s sight, He provides all that my family and I need…or want.
Well, we don’t live in a palace, just a humble home in the little village of
Nazareth, where we are comfortable. Nazareth has a synagogue where I study the
Torah and listen to scripture read on the Sabbath, followed by dialogue and
debate those verses. It is always interesting—but not as enriching as discussions
with the Rabbis at the Temple in Jerusalem. I look forward to the day when I
will read and share the Scriptures here in our synagogue. Maybe then more
people in our community will find favor with God.
Prayer
– Lord God, may I find favor in Your eyes as I live a life to please You.
Obedience is what I long for and what You require. You expected that of Jesus, even
as a young boy, and You still expect that of all those who love and follow You.
Verse
of Salvation ~ But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show
me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure
salvation. Psalm
69:13
© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
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