As we continue our study of Hebrews 11, remember: There are no super hero Christians, only super dependent Christians with a child-like faith. Hebrews 11 is not just a list of heroes. It is a salvation commentary on the Old Testament.
And, yet, as we study Noah specifically, we remember, too, that all these in Heb. 11 were timid and doubtful, just like us.
So, today, let’s look at some faith lessons about what we learn about the life, faith, and ministry of Noah. In no particular order:
- Compared to the measure of wrath that was poured out on Christ at Calvary, the flood of Noah’s time was like a drop of dew on a blade of grass. If you don't believe in God's wrath, you can never really understand God's love. Because God is holy, he requires satisfaction for his wrath, and because God is love he makes satisfaction for us in Christ. So as Noah's flood, so the cross: The flood of righteousness that condemns God's enemies exalts his children. And praise God for that!
- Every time you see a rainbow God wants you to think: “We deserve wrath for our sin but He desires to give mercy. He has hung His bow of judgment in the sky to warn us to flee from sin and follow Him. Sin promises freedom but enslaves; God’s ways are good and lead to life.”
- The “greatest” thing about us as the human race is our wickedness. If we don’t believe that then the flood won’t make any sense, and neither will the cross. We do not have to be among those with whom God is angry. There is a way to escape the flood of God’s judgment. There is an ark that can rescue the people of God. Now is the open enrollment period in God’s kingdom. Today is the day of salvation.
- By faith: Abel offered, Noah built, and Abraham went. Trust and try. The Lord of promises will give you strength in the trying.
- The faithful ones in Genesis “walked with God” (e.g., Enoch, Noah). They wanted God’s counsel and companionship. They were moving in the same direction with the Lord. They were on friendly terms with God. May we do the same!
- Noah reminds us that God uses imperfect people. Noah got drunk. Moses was angry. Rahab was a prostitute. Abraham was a liar. David was a murdering adulterer. Elijah was depressed. Jonah was self-righteous. Peter was cowardly. Paul was a persecutor. Thomas doubted. God’s grace is greater than our sin!
- Noah's task was huge (in cubic feet), but his call to obedience isn't much different than ours today. You can’t obey your way into relationship with God and you don’t secure your relationship with God by your obedience. As with Noah, your obedience won’t ever unlock God’s love, but his love has the power to unlock in your heart a desire to obey. Lord, help us to be obedient to whatever you call us to!
- We've sinned in countless ways. Adam ate. Noah got drunk. Abraham lied. Sarah laughed at God. Jacob deceived. Moses murdered. Rahab was a prostitute. David was an adulterous murderer. Jonah ran from God. Thomas doubted. Peter denied...three times. Paul persecuted. Thankfully, Jesus saves us from sin past, present, and future!
- Even when we fall, we remain eternally secure in Christ. Noah fell down many times in the ark, but never once out of the ark. We are secure today not because we are capable kings over our lives, but because the King of Kings has welcomed us into his eternal kingdom. You couldn't do it, Jesus did it. You deserved it, Jesus bore it. You couldn't secure it, Jesus sealed it. Grace!
- God often calls us to wait for His promises. Noah - 120 years for promised rain … Abraham - 25 years for the promised son … Joseph - 22 years for the promised dream…. Simeon - his whole life for promised Messiah. What promise are you trusting God for? He may seem slow, but He's faithful!
