The Favor of God (Exodus 11:3)

And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
—Exodus 11:3

Isn’t that an interesting verse? Consider the context. This is the story of the final plague that threatened the people of Egypt. Up to this point, there have been plague after plague—nine in total—bringing disaster across the land. All of this has occurred because Pharaoh has refused to humble his heart before God and let God’s people go from slavery into the wilderness to worship him.

We come, then, to this last plague. The chapter opens in Exodus 11:1: “Yet one more plague I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here, and when he lets you go, he will drive you away completely.” Immediately after this, God says to Moses in verse 2, “Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” God had promised that when he delivered his people out of Egypt, the Egyptians would send them out with gifts—gold, silver, and other possessions.

Exodus 11:3 encourages us to seek God’s favor, for his glory.

Then we come to Exodus 11:3: “The Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians.” Moreover, Moses himself was considered very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people. God was giving favor to his people in the eyes of those who were enslaving them.

In light of this picture—particularly the emphasis on favor in Exodus 11:3—I want to lead us to pray for favor in the sight of those who are not followers of Jesus today, even those who may be opposed to faith in Christ. We are not asking for favor for personal advantage or selfish gain, but for favor so that God’s glory might be made known. That is exactly what happens as this final plague unfolds: God delivers his people from slavery in Egypt, brings them out toward the Promised Land, and accomplishes all of this for the good of his people and the glory of his name.

For this reason, it is right to pray for favor in the sight of others toward that end—for our good and, ultimately, for the spread of God’s glory.

So, God, we ask for this favor. I think of the many ways this may apply in the lives of those listening and praying right now. I pray for children and students, that you would give them favor in the eyes of their friends, so that others might see your hand at work in their lives. Grant them favor for their good and for the spread of your glory through them.

I pray for men and women in the workplace. Give us favor, in the spirit of 1 Peter 2, through our good deeds, and in the spirit of Matthew 5:13–16, that we might live as salt and light. May people see our lives and give glory to you in heaven. Help us to trust you and follow you, even when obedience leads to opposition or persecution. And yet, God, we still ask that you would grant favor.

A Prayer for the Persecuted

Along these lines, we pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world—those who are imprisoned, placed in labor camps, or ostracized in their communities. Grant them favor in the eyes of unbelievers around them, even in the eyes of those who hold them captive. Only you can do this.

We ask for favor for the good of your people and for the glory of your name, that people might see our lives and give glory to you in heaven. We pray for this kind of favor in our lives today and in the lives of our brothers and sisters around the world, especially amid persecution.

And, God, one final prayer: help us not to seek the favor of others in ways that cause us to abandon your commands or dilute or deny your word. We know that one of the quickest ways to gain favor in the world is by compromising our faith. God, may this never be true of us—of any child, any student, any man or woman in the marketplace, or any of our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

Help us to hold fast to faith in you. Just as we see in Exodus 11:3, as your people held fast to faith, you granted them favor. Give us that same kind of favor—favor that flows from faithfulness, not compromise. May others see us holding fast to faith in you as salt and light and give glory to your name.

We pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.