Who is the person God uses, especially in a desperate situation? As we read the early chapters of Genesis we witness a dystopia that was so bad that God was sorry He had created man,
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. (Genesis 6:5-6)
A cursory glance at the headlines in the news can make us wonder, “Is God thinking the same thing about the world today?” We gain an important insight about God in this passage – we see that He is concerned for His creation. God is not only concerned for mankind but we see that our sin grieves God. God in His mercy and grace always provides a remnant. In the midst of the wickedness upon the earth, God chose Noah. Noah appeared in stark contrast to the people of his day as we read this description,
These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)
From this verse we see three distinguishing characteristics of the person that God can use in a desperate situation,
- Noah was righteous – A righteous person is one who is just and maintains a proper sense of right and wrong. A righteous person does what is right. A key question is how does one become righteous? It’s not simply our actions, but it’s a matter of the heart. Abraham’s life revealed the true source of righteousness, “Then he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).
- Noah was blameless – The Hebrew word for blameless is translated in a variety of ways: without blemish, full, perfect, undefiled, and whole. It is the picture of one who is complete. The person who is blameless does not do what is wrong.
- Noah walked with God – In spite of the evil of his day, Noah was in step with God. Noah’s life was counter to his culture. How is your walk with God – are you in step with the world or with God?
Christians are called to be counter-cultural. The Apostle John reminds us, “. . . that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Although this world is under the influence of the evil one, Christians are here to be a positive influence of salt and light. Jesus’ mission for His people is clear,
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
As you evaluate your life, are you the type of person that God can use?
Associate Pastor – Discipleship. The Church at LifePark
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University
Follow me on twitter: rickhiggins5
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