Know a Noah
So often when we think of Noah, we think of the ark that he built and the flood that God sent. It is good to think about the truths revealed through this historical event. Especially when we see the reality of God’s judgement of sin (as seen in the flood) and God’s deliverance from His judgment through Christ (as seen in the ark).
But don’t miss the clear display of God’s love prior to the flood. Among the throngs of humanity willfully and totally committed to lives of sin, our Lord found the one righteous man remaining. God searched the world over, longing to find Godly men leading Godly families.
- Genesis 6:7-8 So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Don’t let anyone quote select scripture referenced out of context to convince you that we serve a hateful God that indiscriminately destroys races, nationalities or religions. God consistently declares His love for mankind and His desire to be in a right relationship with all. God always judges sin – that is His justice. God does not enjoy condemning sinners – that is His compassion.
- Ezekiel 18:23 Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?
- 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
In a wicked world, Noah stood for God. The Bible gives us many examples of men who stood for God despite the opposition of those around them. Here are a few.
Old Testament Examples of Men Who Chose to Stand for God
Joshua
- Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
- No matter where we’ve been or where we find ourselves today, we must choose to serve the only true God.
Elijah
- 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.
- God is patient; but we should never knowingly test His patience. We must make a choice. We must choose Him.
Daniel
- Daniel 6:13 So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”
- The world system is setup in direct opposition to God and all He stands for. What will we stand for?
New Testament Examples of Men Who Chose to Stand for God
John the Baptist
- John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
- John the Baptist proclaimed God’s truth to the faithful and the faithless. Do we?
Stephen
- Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers,
- Are we willing to face the wrath of man to help him see his sin?
Paul
- Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
- We are in a war. But we are called to love those who oppose God. Will we follow God’s call straight into the camp of the enemy?
Do you know a Noah? Do you know a man who is leading, living and loving in such a way that his family, friends and foes are drawn to God?
Pray for them!
Encourage them!!
Stand with them!!!
Prayer
Father, You have called and equipped men to be leaders; humble and kind, but resolute and steadfast in standing for You. I pray that Your Words and Your Truth will comfort those who stand for You, challenge those who haven’t chosen a side, and convict those who oppose you. Please forgive me for where I fall short. I love You, I thank You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
