An Everlasting Covenant Lesson: Genesis 9:8-17 Golden Text: “I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth” (Genesis 9:11). The background of today’s lesson is the events surrounding the universal Flood recorded in Genesis chapters 6-9. It is through examining these chapters that we learn the reason for the Flood. (Gen. 6:5) tells us that “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”. As we know from previous lessons, God is the Holy and Righteous Creator of all things and thus we realize that God’s action in response to man’s sin is always a right assessment and a just judgment. In studying the provisions and instructions God gave Noah regarding the construction and occupancy of the ark, we see His caring for all the inhabitants of the ark. In the lesson text this week, we will also see the faithfulness of God as we review the details of God’s covenant with Noah, his family and every living creature after the Flood. It has at its heart the truth that every believer must always take God at His Word. God never has and never will break His promises. Just as God kept His covenant promise to Noah unto this day and has proven His faithfulness by keeping His covenants with other patriarchs in the Bible, God keeps His Word with us today. He is not like man and will not retract His blessed promises. God’s people are to walk and progress in the Christian life by faith, not by sight (II Cor. 5:7). Though that inspired instruction can be challenging and very scary at times, we must remember that our faith rests in a God who is eternally faithful to His Word. God promises to never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5), to be with us wherever we are (Matt. 28:20) and to provide everything we need (Matt. 6:33). In our walk with Christ, it is important that we recognize and appreciate God for these promises that are granted out of His graciousness. They are blessings given to us through no merit of our own; amazing blessings that we do not deserve. Most importantly, let us never cease to praise God for His most blessed gift and promise He could ever give to an unworthy and undeserving world: salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Excerpted from J.A. Littler, Bible Expositor and Illuminator, Union Gospel Press)
Posted on: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 21:46:46 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015