But Noah: Obedience the Cornerstone of Faith

Published on Aug 17, 2023
Category: Devotion

Genesis 6:7-8: So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

The world and its wickedness broke the heart of the loving and Almighty God! But, Noah!

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. With not a cloud in sight, never having seen rain, Noah faithfully built this thing called the ark over a span of decades! Now if that is not obedience, what is?

It had been years and the effort humongous! When Noah is first mentioned in Genesis 5:32, he is 500 years old. God commanded Noah to build the ark; when he finally entered the ark, he was 600 years old. Though the Bible is not clear on how many years it actually took Noah to build the ark, it obviously took many long years and was not a quick and overnight task. The task was not easy, nor did Noah have any prior experience. But yet Noah hammered away, and for years!

Seriously Noah? Just imagine Noah busily creating this never-before-seen kind of structure, to protect against a never-before-experienced thing called rain! The possible ridicule and discouragement he faced from the watching world, is not difficult to imagine! Try as he might, his friends and neighbors, wanted no part in Noah’s newfound hobby! But yet, Noah hammered away, and for years!

Nothing indicated an approaching storm. Never had the world experienced rain yet. But yet Noah hammered away, and for years!

The Bible records repeatedly, that Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Obedience is the cornerstone of our faith in God. Noah’s obedience led to him receiving God’s blessing and reward, while the disobedience of the watching world, led to their destruction.

As the Lord’s heart breaks looking at the world today, wicked and depraved as it is, would He be able to see a – but Noah, in you? Someone who would obey and simply just do. You may have no prior experience, no requisite talent, you may be surrounded by people, who have no clue and definitely don’t share your passion for the task. But, will you obey, anyway?

Lord though I may not always understand, help me be to You obedient, to do whatever You are calling me to do, I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

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