SUNDAY, June 14, 2009                                                       READ: Genesis 5: 1 - 22                                                                                                        

FATHER NOAH FOUND GRACE

MEMORIZE: “Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they choose... The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”         Genesis 6: 1, 2, 5

When we get to chapter 6 of Genesis, we are already 2000 years from the beginning of human life on the earth. By that time people were multiplying and becoming numerous. There was, evidently, by this time something of a sexual revolution, where it was the in thing, to more sensual than godly and spiritual. God was not as significant to men as He should have been. They were living on a very steep slippery slope. There was a real drive at population-building (cf. Matthew 24: 38).

Our text, Genesis 6: 1 – 22, one of the most difficult portions of the Scriptures to interpret accurately, helps us to understand how quickly wickedness overtook the human population on the earth. Our day is not the first time that the human population was ripe for God’s judgment. Sin is like leaven, it has a way of affecting everything it touches. In vv. 1, 2, we are faced with the dilemma of understanding who were “the sons of God” as compared with “the daughters of men.” It is thought that that is a reference to fallen angels who became attracted to women (cf, Matthew 22: 30). It is more probable that these “sons of God” were human beings who were set apart for the service of Almighty God, but who allowed themselves to be led by their carnal desires, and only saw these “daughters of men” for their physical beauty and attractiveness. Interestingly, “they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.” Motivated primarily by the physical beauty of “the daughters of men”, without any regard for God’s will or direction from God, they married whoever the chose. So what’s wrong with that (cf. Proverbs 3: 5, 6)? Evidently, the mood was such that, everybody seem to have been doing as they pleased. God and His glory was of no concern to Him. In vv. 3 - 7, 11, 12, we see that things had become so bad that God had to decide to pour out His judgment upon them and start over. God was sorry that He had made man, with the ability to say “no” to Him. They possibly disgusted having the idea of God and His restrictive ways enter their minds. Motivated by the devil and his angels, these people were living freakish and abominably sinful lives. Here in vv. 8, 9, we are told that in the midst of all of this, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” God, our God, is the One who keeps the fresh fish fresh in the salt sea. He was able to find one man, Noah “ a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” Other men who should taken their stand with Noah and walk in God’s ways, did not. It can be done. Noah, evidently, made the decision that even if he had to stand alone (cf. Genesis 5: 29). He knew that he could, and he did. Each generation which does not stand for what is right, makes it easier for succeeding generations to strive less for that which is right and good. In v. 10, Noah fathered three sons. He knew that choosing to do what was right, would be beneficial for his sons as they would strive to live and walk with God in their generations. Who is holding up any standards of right and good for our children to follow? Where are the men and fathers who serve as role-models of goodness and righteousness before our children? Where are the fathers who will help our children to do the right when they are away from home? Father Noah insisted on doing what was right, and he found grace – favor, acceptance in the eyes of the LORD. Who will be a witness for our righteous God, in the midst of sin and iniquity? Will you be a witness by walking in the light as He is in the light(cf. 1 John 1: 7ff)? Will you live to make a difference?

PRAY: LORD, God Almighty, You are the God and Father of our LORD, Jesus Christ. You are righteous and trustworthy. Help me, help fathers everywhere to take a stand for You and for what is right. Help me to live as Your child. I want to spend eternity in Your house. Thank You, LORD. I bless You in Jesus’ strong name. Amen.