Noah

Noah (Genesis 6:5, 9, 11)

Genesis 6:5, And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:9, These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:11, The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

In the days of Noah, the human race had become so wicked. People were completely depraved in their sexual morality, and the earth was filled with violence. The people had abundant evidence of God’s goodness, however, they turned away from their knowledge of God and toward their own pleasures. God had enough (Genesis 6:3-7). Only one man found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a righteous man who faithfully walked with God and was obedient to His instructions (Genesis 6:22). Because of his faith in God, he was justified. Though the world around him was absolute corrupt, Noah was basically without blemish before God. Noah was a just man. Noah preached in a day when “the wickedness of man was great in the earth” (Genesis 6:5). The Scriptures reveal Noah being just, being perfect (entire or without blemish), and walking with God. The corruption and violence of man caused God to send a world-wide flood. However, in God’s mercy, He sent Noah, a preacher of righteousness, to warn and plead with the people for 120 years, while the ark was being built.

Noah must have stood out in the world in that day, building an ark when it had never rained. But what made him stand out more was his walk with God (Genesis 6:12). Noah was a man who walked with God and preached right living. Noah preached for 120 years and apart from his family he never had one convert (I Peter 3:20), however, the Bible calls him a man of faith (Hebrews 11:7). He was a preacher of righteousness (II Peter 2:5). His righteousness did not come by his own works, but through his faith in God’s Word. Though the people of that day were wicked, corrupt, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5, 11); Noah practiced righteousness. He preached against immorality and the sin of that day. He preached repentance for the ungodly men to turn back to God. He did that which was right as a principle and of habit. The preaching of a generation determines the morals of the next generation.

God considered Noah on of the three most righteous men in history as recorded in Ezekiel 14. When tempted to lie, he told the truth. When tempted to steal, he was honest. When tempted with immorality, he determined to be pure. When tempted to lose his temper and curse, he held his tongue. When tempted to become bitter or jealous, he maintained a right spirit. When it seemed easier to not put the Lord first, he refused. When he realized another in need, he sought to help him. When directed by God to begin a task no one else in human history had ever done, Noah took God at His Word and obeyed. In a world filled with mockers and skepticism, Noah had unwavering confidence in God’s Word.

In that day, God planned to destroy the population of the wicked world. His plan was to send a world-wide flood upon the earth to such a degree that all would be drown. God called Noah to build an ark where his family and two of every species of animal of the earth would be saved. Every day Noah labored on the ark was a call to repentance and a declaration that judgment was coming. Just as those in the days of Noah ignored the warning and rejected the message that would save them. Jesus warned us of making the same mistake (Matthew 24:37-39).

Noah believed God, when He warned him of the impending judgment. Noah took God at His Word and simply did what God said to do. Though it took Noah 120 years to accomplish the construction of the ark, he persisted. Some take God at His Word and in due season are blessed of God (Proverbs 28:20; I Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9). We are called to study His Word, to be faithful to the things of God, witness, walk in love, love one another. Today, God still has His faithful men who stand firm and preach and teach His Word (Titus 2:12).

Noah went against the high tide of sin. Despite the mocking and ridicule Noah received, he kept on building the ark until he completed God’s plan. There were many rooms or compartments within the ark to hold room for the people of that day to escape the judgment of God. Just as there was one door (Genesis 6:16), so there is only one way to God, that is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Once the ark of the door was shut it was too late to enter in. Until spared, he paid a dear price for it, and so must we as ambassadors for Jesus. Like Noah, our faithfulness to God’s Word will be contrary to everything the world stands for. But every time we see a rainbow, it reminds us of His faithfulness.

No amount of righteousness on man’s part can gain eternal life (Titus 3:5). Righteousness after salvation is an act of obedience and desire to know God. Salvation does not excuse the responsibility to live righteously (Romans 6:15). Righteousness is conforming our hearts and lives to God’s divine law. Paul told Titus, “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:12).

Point to Ponder:

• Even if the entire world were to scoff and mock at your beliefs in the Lord, stand firm and remain true to the Lord and His Word.

• Too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right!
• Reproof is seldom welcome and those who need it most like it least.

Question to Consider:

• Why should we live righteously after we get saved?

• To what is righteousness conforming our hearts and lives?
• As an ambassador for Christ and knowing that the judgment of the Lord is coming soon, what has His warning compelled you to do?

PRAYER: LORD, my desire is to please and honor You in my daily walk with You before others. I know that there is not one thing that I ever perform or ponder that is concealed from You. As You examine my heart, help me to live a life of holiness, honesty, and humility. I ask for strength, patience, and wisdom as I aim to practice Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.

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