Characteristics of Noah
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Noah represents the church –
saved from the judgment that is coming upon the world. Jesus said, in Matthew 24: 37-39, that the end days would be the same as, "…in the days of Noah." We see the evil surrounding us, look at the prophecies of the end times and KNOW that it can’t be long before Jesus’ return. Looking at the characteristics of Noah, we see a man who God chose to perpetuate the human race after the flood. He was chosen because of his lifestyle. God is looking for a church with the lifestyle of Noah – without spot or wrinkle; righteous and blameless. Let’s look at Noah’s characteristics: 1. Noah was the father of 3 sons (triplets?) a. Shem – means name; famous, renown – Jews (and by way of Ishmael, Arabs) are his descendents. God attached His name to the Jewish race because they are His people, His bride. b. Ham – means hot, tropical – African peoples are his descendents. c. Japheth – means expand, open - Europeans are his descendents. The church should be reproducing children who will carry on the Name given to the Bride; the Name of Jesus. We should be on fire (hot) with the gospel and power of the Holy Spirit and we should be expanding the Kingdom. 2. Noah was righteous (just in KJV). This is the first time this term was used in the Bible. Just – word means to make right; to be righteous, in the right, justified, be just. Noah was also blameless (perfect in KJV) among the people of his time (in his generations – KJV). Perfect – this is the first time this word is used in the OT. Means entire, integrity, truth; perfect, blameless Generations – means descent, family; root means to bear young. Noah was the only one in his family that was righteous and blameless. Because all men have sinned, this means that Noah followed the essence of the law before God, i.e., love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). I believe that God had given these commandments to Adam & Eve as they walked in the Garden with Him. He showed them the sacrifice of animals to cover their sin when they fell and Noah had to have continued in the practice of the sacrifice in order to remain blameless before God. The church has to be following the essence of the law as Jesus taught it. God has shown us the way to live through Jesus and we must continue in that way. |
3. Noah was obedient.
He built the ark upon God’s command when it had never rained and he may not have been anywhere near water, especially enough water to carry the ark. He did what God told him to, without questions, despite the fact that the circumstances made him look foolish to other men. God uses the foolish to confound the wise (those wise in their own eyes) (1Corinthians 1:27). Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). The church must be obedient to God’s word and God’s will. 4. Noah had faith in God (Hebrews 11:7). Noah believed God would do what He said even though it had NEVER RAINED and it most likely took Noah, probably along with his 3 sons, a very long time to build the ark. Our faith has to carry us through the circumstances, believing that God will do what He says even if we don’t fully understand or it doesn’t look like God is working. 5. Noah had a personal covenant with God; a promise for the future. "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). God has given each of us a personal covenant through the blood of Jesus and a promise of the future. Jesus came that we might have life abundantly (John 10:10) – this is His promise for your future. 6. Noah lived through the unpleasantness of the flood and worshipped on the other side. He didn’t let his trials separate him from God. Don’t let the trials of life separate you from God. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ (Psalm 44:22). No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39). ONLY YOU CAN SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM GOD’S LOVE. HE WILL NEVER TURN HIS BACK ON YOU, BUT YOU CAN TURN YOUR BACK ON HIM. STAY CONNECTED TO HIM, NO MATTER WHAT COMES YOUR WAY! Blessings, Dr. Connie |
