Sermon # 26 - Lessons From The Life Of Noah Series

We read in Psalm 77:11-12, “I will remember your great deeds, LORD; I will recall the wonders you did in the past. I will think about all that you have done; I will meditate on all your mighty acts.” (GNB)

There are many who are held in bondage to all sorts of fears. The fears that constrain them are those of the past, present, future and often there is no basis for many of their fears. The fear that the Bible encourages us to have is that reverent fear for the Lord, which is considered the beginning of wisdom. However, the worldly fears that grip and control us are most certainly a serious form of enslavement.

We studied in details about the wondrous works of God in the previous sermon. We understood the truth that God exists, that He is the originator of all of creation, and that He is the one who sustains the world, even today. The Psalmist also mentioned the fact that he recalled the wonders that God performed in the past.

Recalling the wonders of the past

The word of God records all the wonderful acts, and deliverances of God, so that we can meditate on them, and learn from them. However, often we are so familiar with these accounts, we scan through, failing to perceive the mighty hand of God that is portrayed in every narration, which should in reality fill our hearts with awe and wonder. It is only when we study the word of God this way, can we comprehend the greatness of the God we believe in, and thereby be rid of all our apprehensions.

The wonders of God in Noah’s life

We read in Genesis 6:17-18, “For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.” (RSV)

When God looked down on all of His creation, He was distressed to see that the wickedness and sins of mankind had increased beyond measure. God came to a point where He could contend with mere humans no longer, and therefore decided to destroy all of the earth that He had created with floods. There was only one man Noah, and his family who found favor in the eyes of God. This was because Noah was a righteous man in his generation, and he walked with God. Though the Lord resolved to totally destroy all of His creation, He established his covenant with Noah, and his family that they would be kept safe.

As Noah was surrounded by torrential rain, wailing, death and destruction all around, the Lord was true to His covenant that He made with Noah. He kept Noah and his family safe and secure in the ark. Noah had every right to be afraid of the unknown, but He chose to obey the Lord and enter into the ark as the Lord commanded him. There was death and devastation all around, but in the ark was the assurance of God’s divine protection.

The New Covenant

All of us who believe in the Lord Jesus, are participants of the new covenant that was established through Jesus. It was confirmed by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, when He willingly went to the cross, for the redemption of the sins of all mankind. We are joyful members of this superior covenant and therefore have absolutely no need to be fearful of anything.

That is why Paul says in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”(NKJV)

The Lord has called us to be His children, not to destroy us but to be kept safe in the ark called Christ. The ark in the Noah’s time is a reminder to us that we have a far more secure place when we abide in Christ. That is the reason why we need to meditate on all that is recorded in the Bible, as they enable us to not only ponder on the marvelous deeds of God, but also can be translated to our life as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s divine protection

We read in Psalm 91:7-8, “A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed. You will look and see how the wicked are punished.” (GNB)

We live in days where there are numerous unforeseen dangers lurking all around. Every day we hear of new diseases, and untold calamities that befall people everywhere. As we read and hear all of these unpleasant news, without our realization we too are gripped with fear and trepidation. Here’s the word of God from Psalm 91 that assures us that though everything may go haywire around us, we are secure in His hands, as we are children of the new covenant. The Lord will not allow any evil to come near our dwelling, and we must practice speaking words of faith, instead of doubt.