Almost everyone is corrupted on the earth. Almost everyone has polluted the earth with their commitment to unrighteousness. Almost everyone is pleased to do what they want to do in their own eyes even if it brings about the demise of another human being.
Almost.
What is recorded about Noah is all the more remarkable.
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. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:5-8 emphasis added)
There is something of great impact when you find favour in the eyes of the Lord.
It’s fair to say that while the world is operating with evil intent, Noah’s desire is for the Lord. While the human species is doing things that displease, grieve and upset God, Noah’s inclination completely goes against the grain. Not only does it go against the grain, but it remains in that place despite the waves of the mainstream around him that goes against him.
It’s outstanding when you’re the only one right in a wrong world. Not only that, but you’ve done enough for that favour to cover you and your family.
It’s got to be tough maintaining that on your own, though. It’s got to be challenging navigating through life only ever being in a position of grace among your own household.
What does it take to hold onto that degree of integrity in that environment?
Today, there can be safety in the family of believers to help each other out. From time to time, though, the challenges of the mainstream can look to challenge your integrity. That sense of being the only one right in a wrong world might not be reserved to Noah.
One thing that evidently helps Noah and can help us, knowing the Righteous One even in a world that neglects Him. Looking to Him, hearing from Him, obeying Him even against the climate.
Noah is the kind of guy it’s going to fascinating to talk to about that pre-Flood building experience with the building and zoology project.
Yet being the only one right in a wrong world, might not be as intriguing as what it is to be the only one left in a cleansed world.
What must that be like?
(To be continued)
(Photo by Glen Hodson on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 