27/08/2026
AOÛT 2026, Day 27
PROVOKING DIVINE FAVOUR- PART 5
*"And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep.* *And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither*. *And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a b *eautiful countenance,* *and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise,* *anoint him: for this is he.Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his* *brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day* *forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah."(1Sam 16:11-13)*
To provoke, in the context of spiritual growth and divine favour, means to intentionally stir up, awaken, or motivate God's presence, power, and blessings in your life.
Provoking divine favour may practically involve doing the following in a deliberate or intentional manner:
a) _Stirring up your faith:_ Provoking God's favour requires stirring up your faith, trusting in His goodness, and believing in His promises.
b) _Awakening your spiritual hunger:_ To provoke God's favour, you need to awaken your spiritual hunger, thirsting for a deeper connection with Him.
c) _Motivating your life of obedience:_ Provoking God's favour involves motivating yourself to obey His Word, commands, and principles.
*1) He was ruddy and had a beautiful countenance.*
This was a very fascinating description of David's physical appearance. One bible translation puts it this way:
_"He [David] was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking."(1Sam 16:12)_
The Hebrew word for "ruddy" is *"admoni"* which means "red" or "ruddy." This adjective is used to describe David's complexion or skin tone. In ancient Israelite culture, a ruddy complexion was often associated with:
_a) Health and vitality_ : A ruddy complexion was seen as a sign of good health, strength, and vitality.
_b) Youthfulness_ : Ruddy skin was often linked to youthfulness and a vibrant appearance.
_c) Beauty_ : In ancient Israelite culture, a ruddy complexion was considered attractive and beautiful.
Now, the phrase "beautiful countenance" (or "good-looking" in some translations) is translated from the Hebrew words *"tov* " and *"mar'eh* " . "Tov" means "good" or "beautiful," and "mar'eh" means "appearance" or "countenance."
So, in essence, the Bible describes David as having a healthy, vibrant, and attractive appearance, with a ruddy complexion and a beautiful countenance.
Could such a disposition attract favour? Yes of course!
Some people always like to go about with a twisted face- as though all the problems of this world are on them. David lived a happy life. Despite the rejection he experienced from his own family, he never complained. They abandoned him alone in the farm with the sheep, yet he was joyful always. Such a man lives a grateful life. Gratitude attracts divine presence and divine favour.
Imagine if you were the one in David's place. Your father rallied all your siblings for such an important ceremony, but literally forgot that you exist. Then when God had rejected everyone else, that is when David was remembered. When he came, he still presented this bright face. No resentments; no bitterness; no disappointment manifested towards his family. Such a man will always find favour before God and before men.
Is there a lesson to learn from David's story? I think a serious one. Refuse for the pressures around you to strip you off your opportunities of favour.
May this understanding inspire you to provoke God's favour in your life!
God bless you!
*Prayers:*
1) Lord help me to cultivate a joyful spirit in the name of Jesus.
2) I refuse to go about life with a sad countenance irrespective of what l go through in the name of Jesus.
3) Lord I pray that just my physical appearance will attract favour on me wherever l go hencforth.
4) Thank you Lord for a new baptism of joy and contentment.
*One Year Bible Reading Plan:* Ezekiel 1-4
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