Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
The account of the life of Noah is found in Genesis chapters 6 through 9.
Based upon the wickedness that had engulfed the earth, the Lord had chosen to bring judgment upon mankind through a world-wide flood. Up to this point in time in history, it had never even rained. God had sent water to feed the crops by sending dew upon the earth (Gen 2:6). How difficult it would be for anyone to understand what “rain” or a “flood” would be like!
However, God, solely by His grace (Gen 6:8), warned Noah of the upcoming flood and instructed him on the way to safety… the building of an arc. If Noah, through God's gracious intervention, believed God’s message and followed God’s instructions, he would be able to save his family, and himself. If, in a spirit of unbelief, Noah mocked God’s warnings and rejected God’s instructions; death would come upon him and his family, just as the other unbelievers of his day.
In our text, we are told that Noah responded in a spirit of reverence and respect (fear) for God and His Word, accepting it by faith. This reverence and respect motivated Him to believe the flood was coming and prepare for it just as God directed him. His faithfulness resulted in bringing salvation to himself, and his family. This salvation was not limited to salvation from the waters of the flood, but also salvation from their sins.
Noah’s acts of belief and preparation of the ark had three results. They condemned the unbelieving world, giving them a visual testimony of faith, and how to prepare for the coming judgment. It also was his God-given faith in the Lord and His Word that worked his salvation and righteousness. And it was also through his faithful actions, his family came to a trust in God as well.
When God graciously works in our life, calling us to trust in Him and His Word… let’s rely on Him for grace and take that step of faith. In doing so, we will be setting an example that will glorify God in the eyes of all who see us, encourage other believers, and set the example for lost loved ones to trust in Him as well.
May the Lord bless each one of us as we “Think On These Things”.
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What a mighty lesson we can learn from Noah...God will bring judgement but often times we think it is only for those in the Old Testament and that God won't do that today..He's coming back and we better be ready. Often times we feel God's correction and discipline and we think God is being hard but that is far from the truth He corrects us because He loves us...
ReplyDeleteWhen God calls me to a particular work, my usual immediate response is "I can't do that!". Then He gently reminds me that no, of course *I* can't do it, but He in me can, and He gives me the faith to obey. When I look back on the incredible adventures He has given me in His service, I stand amazed and I'm left wondering why on earth He chose to use me.
ReplyDeleteThat shows me what an absolute fool I am, because I still immediately respond to a call to service with "I can't do that!" or something similar.
What an amazing God!
In our era, we have seen rain, and we have see floods. Nonetheless, we still find the account of the Genesis Flood difficult to believe. I suppose the problem is still the same. Scoffers tell us it could not have happened, that the "evidence" says it did not happen.
ReplyDeleteThere is something very curious about this controversy. As children we receive a considerable amount of indoctrination in the public school system. Without that indoctrination, how easy would we find it to believe what we have learned about Evolution and the history of the Earth? If advocates from both sides had an equal opportunity to teach children, what would those children believe?
Perhaps the lesson we should learn from the Genesis Flood is the importance of instructing our children in the Christian faith.
Proverbs 22:6 Good News Translation (GNT)
Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.
Thank you for what you do.
What a wonderful word for us today, Rob. Praying to listen and obey Him, trusting in His love and His word and promises. God bless you and all that He brings for you to share with us!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful prayer it is to honestly seek His face with a willing spirit ot do as He instructs us! Lord bless you!
Citizen Tom,
ReplyDeleteYou are making a very important point. Our influence in the lives of our children can NEVER be underestimated. To respond to your thoughts, I personally believe that the world's influence on child definately restrains their unreserved acceptance of the revelation of God. By God's grace let us all strive to hand down the faith that was given to us from our forefathers, revealed to us through the living Word of God. Thank you for your comments. Lord bless you.
You are not the only one. Throughout my life I have struggled with feelings of inferiority. But it is juts as you say.... when we take the step of faith... He will enable us and allow us to be used of Him. Lord bless Angela.
ReplyDeleteI can add very little to what you have said, Desiray... you are so right, at His second coming judgmnt will fall upon this world. Not only that but, an eternity of judgmnet is awaiting those who have not trusted in Him. My prayer is that the Lord might see fit to use me to help someone trust in Him so they might escape the jugment that is to come.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to contemplate the faithfulness of Noah and how it blessed him and his family--and later all their descendants.
ReplyDeleteIt gives us something to strive for knowing our decisions in life not only affect us but those around us (especially family members) Lord bless you!
ReplyDelete