What does this pic teach you? Trust? Innovate? Creativity? Some things you just can’t do alone?

Genesis 7

This is the flood chapter. The primary devotional thought that emerged for me was the joy of obedience. Chapter 6 ended with the statement, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” Then a few verses later in 7:5, “Noah did according to all that the Lord had commanded him.”  Three times; Noah did, Noah did, Noah did. In the most difficult situation I can imagine, Noah obeyed God. God’s directions were exceedingly detailed regarding the precise specs of constructing the ark. Noah obeyed in detail, even when he didn’t understand. How much ridicule and harassment did Noah face? It must have been relentless. How many times did his own wife and sons ask if he was SURE he was doing the right thing? Noah had resolute obedience. His confident obedience in God led his family to follow him and believe in God as well. Noah obeyed, and Noah DID!

Situational Ethics

This reminds me that our obedience to God is often situational. How many times do we “fudge” on our obedience in the face of difficulties and opposition. I use the word “fudge” sarcastically because it doesn’t seem as serious. We want to obey but it’s inconvenient; it’s contrary to everyone else; it’s very uncomfortable; it will draw too much attention to ourselves; it’s just plain easier to do what’s more convenient.

Bad decisions = crisis

How many Christians do you know whose lives are in crisis because of a series of bad decisions? Probably a lot. Bad decisions = disobedience. Disobedience = crisis. By ignoring the precepts and principles of God, we often take actions that “seem” better in our minds than obeying God. It’s scary to think just how often I have done this. The key, I believe, is to remain sensitive to our disobedience, confess it quickly and seek to obey fully and completely next time. The real danger is when disobedience leads to excuses and becomes a pattern.  Our once tender and sensitive heart becomes calloused. In this case, the sowing of “white lies”, “self-will”, “bending the rules” and “doing it my way” reaps heartache, despair and broken relationships.

It’s no fun being a contrarian

Lord, Noah is an example of obedience because he obeyed when it seemed crazy to obey. In obeying You, he was the ultimate contrarian. Help us Lord to recommit to resolute obedience to You and Your principles which are clearly given to us in Your Word. Keep our hearts sensitive to You. Amen!