The word ‘provoke’ is usually viewed as a negative word (like making one to become angry), but it could be positively implied also. Provoke can be define as ‘stir up, arouse, or call forth (feelings, desires, or activity). It can also be to ‘incite or stimulate a person to action.
While favour is an approval, support or liking for someone or something, there are however differential levels of favour. The extent of favour that a person readily shows may increase if they are provoked or stimulated to do more.
Considering the way Solomon was born, it was the favour of God that chose him to be the king of Israel after David (1 Chro. 22:9), without the instructions of God, Absalom would probably have been the intended heir to the throne for his charisma and beauty and general acceptance.
It was equally the favour of God that chose Solomon to be the builder of the Temple in Jerusalem above his father David, who was a man after God’s heart (1 Chro. 22:10).
Solomon understood this very well (1 Chro. 22:7-8), yet he provoked God unto greater favours (1 Kings 3:4-15). After giving a thousand burnt offering to God in one day, well above the norm (Num. 29:1-40), God granted him such favour He has never given anyone before – to ask ANYTHING and it’s done!
We in Everlasting Father’s Assembly are surely favoured by God. This month however, I am prompted in the spirit, that we must spend more time, more energy and more money to provoke Jehovah to grant us greater favours. We have to do whatever we can to inspire, stimulate and induce God to grant us ANYTHING from Him. I pray that we shall hit the threshold in Jesus name.