Grace is like Faith
Grace defined is “to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior”. Faith is described in Hebrews 11:1,
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” KJV
Although faith exists, you cannot see it. It is a supernatural substance that serves us. You cannot see faith, but you can see the results of faith. In Matthew 21:21, Jesus explains the results of faith.
“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.’”
Faith makes things happen for no natural explainable reason. Just as faith is a supernatural force, grace also is a supernatural force. Faith is our responsibility, and we are to demonstrate our faith. Grace is more a gift from God, bending down in kindness, with a supernatural force, to an inferior being. You cannot see the force of grace, but you can see the results of grace.
The Old Testament scriptures translate the word grace (khane) as favor. Where grace is understood as something spiritual and invisible, favor is understood as something natural and noticeable to others. Although the Hebrew word is the same, the Old Testament writers liken grace and favor together; and modern translators are more inclined to give a word in English that shows the results of the power of grace. Here are a few examples of the word ‘khane” being translated as favor, rather than as grace.
Genesis 6:8,
“But Noah found favor in Yahweh’s eyes.” WEB
Exodus 3:21-22,
“I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and it will happen that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, and of her who visits her house, jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons, and on your daughters. You shall despoil the Egyptians.” WEB
This next verse is complicated, but when properly translated, it gives us a clue as to why God bestows grace and favor. The Hebrew word behind the word favor here, is actually the word FACE. When we seek His face, things begin to happen. Psalm 119:58,
“I sought Your favor (face) with all my heart; Be gracious (khane) to me according to Your word.”
When we seek God’s face, He confirms His own Word and bestows grace, that results in obvious favor to you and around you.
Our prayer for today;
Father, as I seek Your face in obedience to Your Word, be gracious to me, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
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