These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9 NAS95)
Noah lived in both unique and perilous times. Yet God’s invisible presence shaped him most. He too walked with God and the flood story gives insight into what that means. Even though the word, “blameless,” describes him, it does not imply he was without faults. It does mean he lived responsively to God’s interaction with him, including acknowledging his failures and shortcomings. He lived authentically. Noah not only obeyed God’s voice, he did so in a culture and context that had no regard for God.
Peter calls him a preacher of righteousness (2 Pet 2:5). Since he built an ark on dry land with no water around, it must have created quite a stir. He couldn’t avoid preaching. Can you imagine the questions and comments he received? What a witness! Obviously people didn’t understand or they would have entered the ark. Noah’s visible actions reflected an invisible, ongoing conversation with God. I’m sure he talked with God about everything, including the emotional hurt flowing from the constant ridicule of the culture. God was his refuge. Noah’s life and actions reflected a deep trust in the goodness of God and the truth of His words. He lived by those words and it saved his life. For Noah, conversing with God was vital.
For Reflection:
“But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.” (Psalms 5:11 NAS95)
- In what ways are your actions a reflection of your trust in the goodness of God?
- How has your prayer life deepened trust in God’s goodness? What has God done recently to demonstrate His goodness to you?
