STANDING ABOVE OUR GENERATION In the Old Testament book of Genesis, the Bible describes for us the condition of mankind in the days of Noah. “Then the Lord 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” (Genesis 6:5). Can you imagine a world so wicked that the thoughts of the people were only evil continually? Yet that is how Noah’s world had become. This context tells us about a man who stood above his generation because he sought to obey God, instead of trying to be like everyone else. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). This was because of the obedience he gave to God. When the Lord instructed him to build an ark, He told Noah the kind of wood to use, and even gave him the dimensions of the ark. What did Noah do with this information? “And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him” (Genesis 7:5). Even though such a vessel had never entered the minds of men, Noah built the ark carefully and exactly as God had commanded. He followed the pattern and conformed to God’s instructions. What was the result of Noah’s work of faith? He and his family were saved alive! His name was then engraved alongside the names of other men and women of outstanding faith. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Whether constructing an ark, or building a life, obedient faith toward God is a necessity for success. We read in 1 Peter 3 of those who lived in the days of Noah, during the time he was building the ark. Here the Bible says that these people . . . “were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:20, 21). How do we respond to God and His word? Remember, Noah was blessed when he followed God’s instructions. We will also be blessed of God when we follow His instructions today. Bill Jones
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:38:19 +0000
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