Day Three: Noah – Unwavering Obedience
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:5-22
Introduction: Like Enoch, Noah also “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). This must have been especially difficult for him because society had become so perverse. The Bible tells us “all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth” (v. 12). Yet, in the midst of that, Noah was “a righteous man, blameless in his time” (v. 9). The apostle Peter tells us he was “a preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). It probably took all of the faithfulness this man had to stay with this task God gave him. Against all the skepticism he certainly had to put up with, he believed that God had told him to build an ark of immense proportions and prepare for a flood that would wipe out all of humanity except for him and his family. Noah remained faithful to his calling and as a result, humanity had a new beginning.
Application: Not everyone receives such a monumental calling as Noah. The task God gave him was literally a matter of life and death. He was chosen for this task because he was a godly man who walked with God. Most of us long to be given some great purpose by God. Too many people do not put themselves in a position for that calling, though. Instead, they want the calling first to motivate them to faithful obedience. God doesn’t work that way. 2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us,
“The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”
God rewards obedience with purpose.
Prayer: Dear Lord, sinfulness is growing strong in the world. I desire to be faithful to You in the midst of rising rebellion. I desire to be Your instrument to touch the world with Your message of hope and salvation in Jesus. Help me to stay focused on You and to walk with You, and help me to remain faithful to Your calling on my life. Amen.