In Romans 5:10 (ESV), the richness of hope found in Jesus' death unfolds in our favor with God. The passage says, "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."

Consider the marvelous concept of gaining favor with God through Christ. Even as former enemies, reconciled by Jesus' death, we now stand in a position of grace. God's favor is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible reality, showered upon us through the redemptive work of His Son.

Perhaps a good way to make sense of this is to look at the story of the prodigal (wasteful) son when he returned home. His father didn't merely say, "Welcome back, son. I missed you."

No! He did much more than that.

He felt compassion, ran to meet him, embraced him, kissed him, gave him the best robe (symbolizing righteousness), put a ring on his finger (representing covenant), killed the fattest calf (emblematic of a blood sacrifice for forgiveness), and celebrated him (Luke 15:20-24).

Keep in mind this is what the father did for the son who left home, and squandered his property in reckless living. Jesus told this parable to show you and me the favor we have with our Heavenly Father when we're reconciled to Him.

Amen for God's favor!

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, I approach You with gratitude for the hope revealed in Jesus' death as stated in Romans 5:10. Despite once being an enemy, Your redemptive love through His sacrifice situates me in a position of grace and tangible favor. Reflecting on the prodigal son's narrative, I cherish Your overwhelming compassion and celebration upon my return to You. Amen to the immeasurable favor I experience through reconciliation with You in Christ.

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Reflection

1. How does the concept of gaining favor with God through Christ, as described in Romans 5:10, reshape your understanding of your relationship with Him? In what ways does this tangible reality of God's favor impact your daily walk of faith? 

2. Reflect on the parallels between the story of the prodigal son and the reconciling work of Jesus described in Romans 5:10. How does the father's response to the returning son deepen your appreciation for the tangible grace and favor God showers upon us through Christ's redemptive work? 

3. In your own journey of faith, have you ever experienced a profound sense of God's favor, akin to the father's response to the prodigal son? How does recognizing these moments of favor influence your perspective on God's love and grace in your life?

Watch: Crucified Savior, Risen Redeemer

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