Weekly Devotional - January 4, 2013

"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord."

Genesis 6:8 NIV

In my daily Bible reading this morning I read the story of the flood during the days of Noah. It's a familiar story yet an amazing one as God demonstrates his grace by saving a faithful man and his family from punishment and destruction. One thing that caught my attention was the short phrases describing Noah.

"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." (Genesis 6:8)

"Noah did everything just as God commanded him." (Genesis 6:22)

"And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him." (Genesis 7:5)

Many of us would want something a little more wordy said of us. Celebrities have their publicists prepare an introduction to be used during their appearances. Authors and speakers provide a list of their works so the person introducing them can wow the crowd with the information.

On the other hand, some people need very little said of them. Have you ever watched the State of the Union Address? The President stands outside the Congress chamber. In a loud voice the announcement comes, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States." The doors swing open and the President enters to a standing ovation.

There wasn't much to say about Noah. He was a simple man without much acclaim at that time. It's not that the author of Genesis didn't want to say more about Noah, there just wasn't much else to say. But what he said in describing Noah to us is profound.

We learn who Noah is by hearing about his relationship with God. Is there a better way to introduce a person? Wouldn't you like to have your relationship with God be the identifying mark of who you are?

Our world is much like Noah's. It's a sinful place with little regard for God. But you can be different. You can honor God and know his favor rests upon you and your family. Pray that God will help you be faithful as you follow Jesus.