January 3, 2024 - Genesis 6-9

With sin and transgression exploding across the earth, God declared, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land . . . But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (6:7-8).  Two seemingly contradictory things are found here, which are not actually contradictory in any way.  Our good standing with God is by grace alone and, at the same time, God delights in us when we obey him.  That obedience does not save us, for our obedience is far from perfect; nevertheless, the Bible can note that “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” and “walked with God.”  We are likewise blessed when we walk with God and find favor in his eyes.  Now, in those days, Noah was an exception for “the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. . . . all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth” (6:11-12).

How easy it is for us to follow the crowd rather than standing out as those who follow after God.  It is so easy to let our guard down, to slip into the ways of the world, to become lax toward the things of God.  Oh, that 2024 will be a year in which we very intently, deliberately, and persistently strive to be transformed by the Word of God, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of the saints.  Paul put it like this:  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2).  Let us follow Paul’s direction and be like Noah rather than like the world.

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days;

let them flow in endless praise,

let them flow in endless praise.   --Frances R. Havergal (1874)