Is my faith like Noah’s faith?

 

Local news today brings up an incident that illustrates the times we live in. A woman who worked in the education realm posted on social media a photo that illustrated how children are being brainwashed today just as they were in Europe by the Nazi’s. She lost her job over it and now is being threatened that she cannot apply for that job again. This incident shouts that It is okay for those who are being accused of brainwashing to speak out against Christian principles, but not okay that Christians speak out against any activities, particularly those that go against moral or godly principles.

I wonder what it was like for Noah. He worked on the ark for more than one hundred years. His neighbors no doubt made fun of him, yet his actions spoke against them in condemnation for the sin in their lives.

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)

MacArthur speaks to me with, “Your actions and words should rebuke our godless society.” When I think of the woman fighting for the right of free speech, I know that the cost of rebuking can be high indeed. However, we are living in a time much like Noah did. Is God asking His people to step up and be heard? Is He asking me?

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)

Noah’s world was a mess. Before moving in judgment against the most evil and corrupt society in history, God appointed him to build an ark. This has become a symbol of life and salvation to all who believe God. For those who disbelieve, it represents impending death and judgment. In itself, the ark was not the only rebuke to the godless in that time; concurrent with constructing the ark, Noah preached about coming judgment:

God did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly . . .  making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly. (2 Peter 2:5–6)

As MacArthur says, every board he cut and every nail he drove in was an illustration of the urgency of his message. God’s warning was stern, even horrifying, but His patience and mercy prevailed for 120 years. As Peter said, “Because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.” (1 Peter 3:20) In other words, the people had ample warning of judgment, but they chose to disregard Noah’s message.

This is sad, yet many today have the same attitude. Jesus said:

For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:37–39)

Like Noah, I am to proclaim righteousness to an evil and perverse generation by my works and by my life and be faithful to do so even if people don’t want to listen. Most don’t listen, and I will not have 120 years like Noah did. My hope is that God will raise up many to enter the ark of atonement and speak up — that God’s purposes will be accomplished before Jesus returns and before that final judgment begins.

PRAY: Lord, You know that even those close to me sometimes scoff at God’s judgment and mock my testimony. It is easy to find fault with Your people as we are sinners too . . . but with a difference. Your atoning work gives us forgiveness and hope. We know that we have eternal life and that You are at work to change us into Your image. Help us to not be discouraged and to focus on those who need our prayers. May I be available as Your mouthpiece whenever You ask me to speak out against sin and also share the good news that all are welcome and invited to enter the ark of atonement — and be saved from Your judgment to come.

PONDER: Read 2 Peter 3 noting how the prospect of future judgment should affect me and my growth as a believer in Jesus Christ.

 

 

Eating and drinking

This blog is called “Practical Faith” because I’m pragmatic. If there is no good reason for doing something, I’m apt to opt out. This is fine most of the time, but it also means that I’ve learned many tough lessons by refusing to obey God because I could not see any reason for His commands.
 

Practical faith is about purposeful living, with one main purpose. I’m supposed to glorify God and do so for all of life…

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Eating and drinking are ordinary activities that everyone does. Interesting that in the early history of the world, God mentioned these ordinary activities in describing the godlessness that brought judgment upon the earth…

For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark… (Matthew 24:38)

The text does not say that these activities were sinful, but the word used could mean “eating like the beasts” without any thought of food or gratitude to God for it. The description of life at that time also says that, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5) and that “the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth” (Genesis 6:11–12).

From this and other passages, I understand that a Christian who has surrendered to the Lord will also sanctify eating and drinking by doing these ordinary activities in such a way that God is glorified.

How is that possible? I’m thinking of the hundreds of people I’ve watched in restaurants who overeat or drink too much alcohol and how that is usually not God-honoring. I also think of myself and my efforts to lose ten pounds. Is God glorified when I let Him control what I eat and how much? I suspect He is at least pleased with such decisions. So having self-control is one way. Other ways might include sharing meals with others, pleasant conversations at the table (many people fight at mealtime), and giving special attention to an attractive and tasty meal presentation for the sake of my family and guests.

Today’s devotional says that regard for the glory of God is like salt served up with every dish. The great work of my life is to glorify Him, even in my natural actions such as eating, sleeping, walking, and the like. I am a new creature, redeemed that I should glorify the Lord, not eat and drink as I please, any more than pray or worship or do Christian service as I please. All must be done in submission to God and that submission will glorify Him.

While on holidays and away from a normal routine, it is easy to slip out of good eating habits. I’m thankful for this reminder. What I eat and drink, and how I eat and drink isn’t just about health. It is even more important to glorify God. I need to keep that thought – in every restaurant and at every meal, and especially when we pass by those candy stores and chocolate factories.