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...the Bible tells me so:
Lessons from Noah
The internet has redefined junk mail. Occasionally, I receive something
worthwhile. A friend of mine sent me this item recently. Some of it is rib-tickling.
Some is thought-provoking. Enjoy as you read, “Everything I need to know about
life, I learned from Noah’s
In studying with some of our senior citizens recently about the story of Noah and the flood, I was reminded of some very important lessons.
First, divine blessing and human obedience are inseparable. This same Noah who “found favor in the eyes of the Lord” is also described as “a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God” (Genesis 6:8-9 NIV). Why was he righteous and blameless? What did it mean to walk with God? Moses answered those questions, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (verse 22; see 7:5).
Too often we think that God will bless me regardless of the sin in my life. When we realize that God forgives sin, only then will we give up our sin and live right. While all would agree that Noah was sincere in his relationship with God, who legitimately could divorce godly living from sincerity? Grace, then, is not my excuse to sin but my motivation to do what is right.
Second, the majority view is not always the correct view. While we pride ourselves in our democracy, what is right is more important than what is popular. The description of those who lived in Noah’s world brings sadness. Moses wrote, “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5; see verses 11-12). Only eight souls obeyed God (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5). Only eight souls were saved (see Matthew 7:13-14).
The majority can never define Christian living and obedience. The Scriptures make clear what God expects concerning morality, worship, the church, and baptism. Consequently, just as the water saved Noah and his family from the wicked world, baptism saves us today (1 Peter 3:20-21).
Third, God punishes wickedness. God told Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.” (Genesis 6:13). While God could have chosen to wipe out mankind miraculously, He chose natural catastrophe to accomplish His judgment. With our local floods, we understand the destructive nature of water. I wonder if we can comprehend the devastation of a worldwide flood.
God’s next and final judgment will be with fire. That condemning fire will consume, instead of cover, all the wicked as well as the earth (2 Peter 3:1-7).
Fourth, God keeps His promises. He promised Noah that He would never again destroy the earth with water. He placed the rainbow in the sky as a reminder of His agreement (Genesis 9:8-17). Whenever we enjoy the rainbow, we reach across some six thousand years of human history and touch Noah.
Jesus promises to bring all of God’s faithful with Him to heaven (see John 14:1-3; Philippians 1:23; 3:20-21). I trust Jesus to keep His word.
Fifth, true worship is what pleases God. What did Noah do first, when he came out of the ark? Moses wrote, “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma…” (Genesis 8:20-21).
Too many look for a church that pleases them. Instead, we must look for a church that pleases God. Too many think that worship that pleases them, pleases God, too. Instead, we must give God the kind of worship that He says pleases Him. Too many look for a church where they are comfortable. Instead, we must find a church where God is comfortable.
Sixth, separating Noah from the sinful world did not separate sin from
Noah. Shortly after coming out of the ark, Noah got drunk. His grandson,
Although Noah lived thousands of years ago, lessons from his time are just as relevant for us today. The next time you notice the rain, flooding, or a rainbow, remember what we learn from Noah and thank God for all His blessings.
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