Louise Gevers

“It was faith that made Noah hear God’s warnings about things in the future that he could not see. He obeyed God and built a boat in which he and his family were saved.”  Hebrews 11:7 (GNT)

Driving through the Karoo, we became aware of a rainbow, patchy and dim at first, which grew steadily in length and radiance, as we drove along, along with our delight; a beautiful, ethereal symbol of God’s covenant with Noah would remind Him never again to destroy the whole earth by flood.  

God considered Noah righteous, because by faith he had obeyed Him by building a huge boat despite him being in a dry, landlocked region where nobody could have believed there’d be enough water to float it. That's why Noah’s faith was remarkable.

Noah was, “a righteous man, blameless among the peoples of his time, and he walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9) Because he was in constant conversation with God, he believed what He said about destroying the earth and its wicked people; he obeyed Him and believed His plan would save him, his family, and the creatures of the earth until the flood ended.

Obedience and faith walk hand in hand and this receives God’s favour; for Noah, this favour saved him and his family.

Complacency can be the reason why people don't obey instructions, either refusing because of unwillingness to comply, or preferring to do things when it fits their timeframe and inclination. When it involves faith, it takes courage to go against the flow, and to stand alone for what you believe in, when others do not. At this stage of history, we often have to stand alone for righteousness in light of the unwillingness of others to keep to regulations for the common good. 

Imagine what it must have been like to know God was telling you to build an ark, and to embark on it, with your friends standing by, mocking you. To obey God would cost a huge step of faith, but the rainbow would gleam ever brighter, when all the implications are considered.

Righteousness and redemption go hand in hand; Noah and his family were redeemed physically, as well as spiritually, which is possible for all who walk with God. We might not be building a physical boat, but every step of faith in obedience to God counts in assuring our eternal future. 

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the privilege of being able to walk with You, blameless, because of our righteousness through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Help us to accept the challenges You give us and step out into the unknown with joy, trusting in Your goodness and love for us and those we love. Amen.