KINGDOM PATRIARCHS DAY EIGHT: Scripture Reading: Genesis 6:8-7:5 Focus Verse: Genesis 6:8 Noah As I think about the many sermons, books, and even movies that have tried to capture the story of the life of Noah, I shudder at the challenge of describing him in just a few short devotional paragraphs. If there is one phrase that best tells the story of this great man, it is the one found in our focus verse today, “Noah found grace” (KJV) or “favor” (NIV) with God. If that one phrase had to be shortened into one word, the word would have to be “grace.” His name means “rest” and it comes from a Hebrew root word that is translated “resting place” several times in the Bible. While the vast majority of the world’s inhabitants seemed to be in turmoil and spiritual confusion (6:5), this man found “rest” from the struggles of life and, ultimately, by the grace of God, found a “resting place” for himself and his family when he obeyed God in the preparing of the Ark. Although there are many remarks that could be made about the verses that we have read today, I will have to limit them to one very basic statement, that being, that Noah was a very good example of grace and works and how they must coexist in the lives and hearts of believers. The first verse of our reading states that “Noah found grace” while the last verse we read reminded us that, even while living in a state of grace, Noah “did all that the LORD commanded him” (7:5). Prayer Emphasis: •Enjoy your grace, but do not forget about the good deeds that are to be born from it! Experience God’s grace flowing through you as you exhibit His grace today through the performance of some act of kindness for a friend or family member
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 11:41:50 +0000