The Thing About Favor

As Jesus, “the firstborn of all creation” (Col. 1:15),

Slowly suffocated on a Roman cross,

The Father did the unimaginable.

He took his strong right hand of blessing

 From the firstborn’s bleeding head

And moved it toward the head

Of the undeserving younger siblings—

You and me.

God crossed His arms in grace.

It means that you can walk in the favor of God—

A blessing that should have rested on

The sinless Savior alone.

With such a gift in mind

There is no limit to the favor of God on your life.

* * *   

Part of today’s blessing is excerpted from the parting blessing in my new book, The Power to Bless, releasing February 2 (Baker Books). Pre-order it today and you’ll get a free audiobook!

For 3700 years, Jewish dads have been blessing their kids with the words, “God make you as Ephraim and Manasseh” because of the day that Jacob crossed his arms and blessed his grandsons. As Jacob put his right hand on the undeserving younger son (Ephraim), so God has put the right hand of His blessing on all the undeserving ones who trust in Him. And that’s the Gospel!