Noah's curse

 August 20, 2020 (Thursday)

 

What happens next shows what a devastating event can do to even a righteous man. “After the flood, Noah began to cultivate the ground, and he planted a vineyard.” [Genesis 9:20 NLT] This is an interesting choice of crops. Generally grapes are very labor intensive. I would think planting grapes would be a luxury after basic food security issues are addressed.

 

Eventually, “One day he drank some wine he had made, and he became drunk and lay naked inside his tent.” [Genesis 9:21 NLT] Let me be clear: I cannot prove, from the Bible, not to drink alcohol. However, the Bible is clear: being drunk is a sin. I can demonstrate bad things happen with the use of alcohol. This is “exhibit A.”

 

I can’t judge Noah. I wonder if he is not self-medicating under the devastating toll of the flood. Think about it this way: Noah’s obedience in building and entering the ark facilitated the death and destruction of the flood. The weight of guilt could be soul-crushing. I know the reasoning is flawed, but this is not actions of a righteous man. This and what follows.

 

“Ham, Canaan’s father, saw his father naked and told his two brothers who were outside.” [Genesis 9:22 CEB] This information brought a reaction, “Shem and Japheth took a robe, threw it over their shoulders, walked backward, and covered their naked father without looking at him because they turned away.” [Genesis 9:23 CEB] The few details of this event do not seem to merit Noah’s extreme reaction.

 

“When Noah woke up from his wine, he discovered what his youngest son had done to him.” [Genesis 9:24 CEB] What caused Noah’s outburst? Was it because Ham embarrassed his father, pointing out his state to his brothers? Think about it; wouldn’t it give a certain sense of joy to expose the hypocrisy of a righteous man? But, there is a twist. His name is Canaan.

 

In Genesis 9:18 and 9:22 Canaan is noted as the son of Ham. He is the only son mentioned in this story and the fourth son of Ham. So why is he so prominent in this story? When Noah cursed Ham, he actually cursed Canaan, “(Noah) said, “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers.” [Genesis 9:25 NIV] Wasn’t it Ham who gave the offense? Why curse Canaan?

 

One theory, which seems plausible, stems from the expression “saw his father naked.” In Leviticus 20:11, Ezekiel 22:10, Habakkuk 2:15, this expression is a euphemism for incest. Canaan (whose name means “humiliated”) would seem to be the product of that relationship. Of course, that does not explain the two brothers walking backward… or who in their right mind would boast about incest…

 

Bottom line: possible despair plus alcohol in excess plus opportunity for self-destructive, stupid, and sinful behavior natural to humanity, all add up to a volatile situation. Result: someone is cursed, an entire segment of the population damned to the evils of slavery (and beyond), and the earth is plunged into the same chaos that caused a purging flood.

 

Or as  Paul put it, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [Ephesians 5:18 NLT]

The days of Noah #3

 August 19, 2020 (Wednesday)

 

After the flood, Noah responded to God with worship. “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord…” [Genesis 8:20a] This is difficult. Imagine the world you know has ended, you and your family are the only ones left. It’s not just people gone, it’s everything you once knew. What would you do?

 

God’s response to Noah’s worship, “…Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.” [Genesis 8:21b NIV] At the Fall God cursed the ground. Now it seems He is reversing course. I’m thinking the degree of the curse may have been softened at that point. Considering the devastation of the flood, we have no clue.

 

God’s plan, at this point was, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” [Genesis 8:22 ESV] This is a promise “while the earth remains.” This is explained later, “I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” [Genesis 9:11 ESV] Later in Scripture we find the earth is reserved for fire (see 2 Peter 3:7).

 

Another piece of information that ties into the creation account, “The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every (creature)…” [Genesis 9:2a ESV] It is assumed that after the Fall, humans and animals were separated into this dichotomy. At this point in history, God makes the note of animals fearing humans in general.

 

Possibly the shift happens because God appears to change the dietary reality of humanity. “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.” [Genesis 9:3 ESV] Verses 4 – 6 open a discussion of blood and its significance to life. Verse 6 institutes the death penalty for murder. The reason, “for in the divine image God made human beings.” [Genesis 9:6b CEB]

 

Then God gives them a sign, “I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.” [Genesis 9:13 NLT] Thus, God establishes a covenant (legal contract, promise) with humanity and all creatures of the earth. Please note, God’s covenants are “unilateral.”

 

By unilateral, I mean, God does the action. This action is not based on human merit. God does what He does because He wants to do it. This is the core of “grace.” Humanity is helpless, unless God takes action. God wants us to be healthy, safe, and in right relationship. He works to make it so.

 

Despite humanity’s failings, God has not and will not turn His back on us. Despite our rebellion, God loves us with an unfailing love. Despite our self-inflicted stupidity, God is still willing to work with us to move us to where He wants us to be…

 

So, why are we continually tuning our back on Him? Why are we rejecting His love? Why are we settling for Hell when God offers Heaven?

The days of Noah #2

 August 18, 2020 (Tuesday)

 

Noah must have been an incredible man. Genesis 6:9 records, “These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” [ESV] Three things mark Noah as different.

 

First, Noah was a “righteous man.” I think this means, morally and spiritually, Noah was “right” with God. It is easy to be righteous when being religious is in fashion. It seems Noah’s righteousness was swimming against the current. . Peter insists he was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5). So his resistance to the corrupt culture was not just a passive righteousness. That, the world and the Devil will probably tolerate. Noah’s resistance was active. He didn’t just LIVE the life, he ADVOCATED for the life of righteousness.

 

Second Noah was “blameless in his generation.” In other words, Noah was “blameless” in character and conduct. Note, blameless is not the same as “sinless.” While humanity had become corrupt to the core, Noah seems to be above his culture. I know there is a sense where we interact with our society, neighborhood, and culture every day… But Noah avoided being polluted by their influence.

 

Finally, Noah “walked with God.” I’m guessing this relationship, described as “walking with…” is the reason for his honors. As Noah walked with God, God made him and he became righteous and blameless. His walk was a parable for people to understand God. He was the visual example and pattern in his day of righteousness.

 

Last time we looked at the “days of Noah.” The mark of that generation was the thinking was skewed to evil. But wait! That’s not all! “Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence.” [Genesis 6:11 ESV] Under the tyranny of sin, the world is diseased, dying, and decaying. The people of the day were bent on self-destructive behavior. The natural progression of such behavior is violence.

 

This corruption, which brought on judgement, as NOT due to fate. Nor was it predestined. Genesis 6:12 is clear, “And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.” [ESV] Humans made the decision to corrupt their way. If I can echo Paul in the book of Romans, it seems they were busy inventing, encouraging, and celebrating the decay.

 

As a means of escape, Noah is told to build an “ark” (boat). It was between 450 feet to 510 feet long (300 cubits), 75 to 85 feet wide (50 cubits), and 45 to 51 feet tall (30 cubits). In ancient days a cubit was the distance between the elbow and the tip of the middle finger. These dimensions put it near or at the maximum proportions for a sea worthy wood boat. The proportions make it virtually unsinkable under natural conditions. 

 

Are you JUST passive in our righteousness or are you also active in advocating for righteousness? Are you influenced, or worse, at the mercy of the world and culture around you?

These are the days of Noah.

The days of Noah

 August 15/16, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)

 

We don’t know when Jesus will return. However, Jesus left a clue. “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day.” [Matthew 24:37 NLT] Jesus went on to say, “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.” [Matthew 24:38 NIV] Some have suggested life will go on as normal. However, I suspect something deeper in Jesus cryptic clue.

 

But what were the days of Noah like? Genesis 6:1 – 2 raise speculative questions. Genesis 6:3 show God limiting human life to 120 years. Genesis 6:4 mention the Nephilim, who were giants or “men of renown.” I’m going to skip these things because, they are not significant to the question.

 

Genesis 6:5 describes the state of humanity, “The Lord saw that humanity had become thoroughly evil on the earth and that every idea their minds thought up was always completely evil.” [CEB] Another translation says, “…everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.” [Genesis 6:5b NLT]

 

Kind of sounds like an election year, eh? Wickedness was unchecked, even encouraged and celebrated. This is an image of a world without the moral restraint of a Creator and law giver. It is the natural process of the progressive, addictive, and aggressive nature of sin. Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” [Jeremiah 17:9 NIV] The idea “beyond cure” is also translated “desperately wicked,” “desperately sick,” and “incurable.”

 

This is a world without God. As our society and culture attempts to eliminate God, silence God’s witness, and turn churches into museums and flea markets, we should not be surprised at the depth of evil we are capable of…

 

Riddle me this: why do we care about the plight of some people because of skin color or other factors, yet not care about the person in the mother’s womb? Seems we are being selective and reaping what we deserve.

 

God’s feelings toward humanity at this point are not charitable. “The Lord regretted making human beings on the earth, and he was heartbroken.” [Genesis 6:6 CEB] This is the heart of a parent whose child has strayed into destructive and dark behavior.

 

But God is not helpless against the tide of human evil. Despite the resolution to destroy what He created, will within His right, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” [Genesis 6:8 ESV] In this muddled, mangled mess, God finds a glimmer of light. Someone to have favor upon.

 

“And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood.” [2 Peter 2:5 NLT] Someone to champion righteousness.

 

These are the days of Noah…

Hebrews 11:1- 8 "The substance and evidence of the soul"

Hebrews 11:1- 8 "The substance and evidence of the soul"

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 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.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Just after saying "But my righteous one will live by faith.” Hebrews I0:38a, the Bible challenges us with historical examples.

The reason is: "Faith has always been the mark of God's servants." Matthew Henry

I. Faith is the EYES of the soul.

A. What is faith and how does it work?

"Faith is a firm persuasion and expectation that God will perform all He promised to us in Christ." [M.H.]

1. It is "being sure of what we hope for."

a. KJV: 'substance"

b. Forward-looking confidence. (Future)

c. This means we will "We live by faith, not by sight." [2 Corinthians 5:71

2. It is being "certain of what we do not see."

a. KJV: "evidence"

b. This is the demonstration or proof. (Past and present)

c. It is irrational to disregard faith or think it is opposed to reason.

B. Why is faith the foundation?

"Faith assumes the place of substance, faith holds the place of argument” (Dante)

1. Faith allows us to have God’s "seal of approval."

a. "This is what the ancients were commended for.” [v 2]

b. It stands to reason they are examples, if faith was honored then, it is honored now.

2. Faith understands the true place and nature of God.

a. The existence of a Creator is the foundation of faith.

b. A Creator means undisputed right of ownership.

c. A Creator means undisputed authority.

d. A Creator means undisputed power.

1.) "Formed at God's command" [v 3b]

2.) God did not have to use tools, process, etc... God spoke.

"Faith in the creation is the foundation and specimen of all faith." [John Wesley]

***** Another way to say this is if you do not believe in a Creator, you do not believe in God. *****

II. Faith is the HEART of the soul.

A.  Abel’s example (He humbled himself before God):

1. "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did." [v 3a)

2. What was different/special about Abel's sacrifice?

a. It was the best of the best. ("But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock." [Genesis 4:4]) We can see, the difference is AT'TITUDE.

b. It was a blood sacrifice.

“ln fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. " [Hebrews 9:22]

1.) In other words the blood sacrifice reflected the penalty for sin and the need for mercy. It reflected (set the precedent) the atonement of future blood sacrifices.

2.) '"Able had faith in the blood substitute while Cain had faith in the work of his own hands." [Jack Waite]

B. The result of Abel’s faith:

1. Abel died...

a. Many people today are under the hatred and persecution unleashed by Cain.

b. It is said that more people have died for Jesus in the last 10 y-ears than in the history of the world.

2. Abel still speaks.

a. We see the early and extreme degradation what sin does to a person. (And are horrified by murder.)

b. We see a clear distinction between righteousness and sin.

III.           Faith is the FEET of the soul.

A. Enoch's example (He earnestly sought God):

1. Enoch had a special connection with God. He "pleased God." [v 5c]

a. "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” [Genesis 5:24]

b. Enoch was also a prophet who saw the return of Jesus. [Jude 14]

2. Other than that, we know very little about Enoch.

B. The result of Enoch's faith:

1. Enoch did not die, (This only happened twice. Enoch and Elijah.)

2. Enoch's example is that of seeking God. [v 6]

a. Enoch sought God, and the result of that was a special walk (holiness) with God (at a level none of us will ever know).

b. The image is that of Adam and Eve walking with God in the Garden of Eden." Enoch did not have the Garden but he did walk with God.

IV.          Faith is the HANDS of the soul.

A. Noah's example (He obeyed God):

1. Noah, when warned built an ark.

a. Context: it had never rained. Never flooded.

b. Noah's confidence was that God would do what He said... The word of God was sufficient to move Noah to action.

2. What else do we know about Noah?

a. "This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” [Genesis 6:9]

1.) Here was someone who also "walked with God."

2.) He was called "righteous" and "blameless" by God as a contrast to the people of his day.

b. "Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” [Genesis 6:22]

1.) Obedience and attention to the details are a mark of faith.

2.) God spoke, Noah acted on what God said.

c. 2 Peter 2:5 "a preacher of righteousness."

1.) Imagine preaching for 120 years and having nothing more than your family to show for it...

2.) Building and ark and preaching must have been humiliating.

B. The results of Noah's faith:

1. He saved his family and condemned the world (which is the real reason people fear the faithful).

2. Good examples either convert sinners or condemn them." [Matthew Henry]

"Your obedience makes their disobedience stand out." [Life Application Bible]

3. We love to talk about the mercy and kindness of God (which are true) but sometimes we God's intention is to bring severe justice.

a. Isaiah's call:

“He said. “Go and tell this people: 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding: be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the heart of this people calloused: make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” [Isaiah 6:9 – 10]

 b. Jeremiah's call:

"Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--against the kings Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land." [Jeremiah 1:18]

"When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer.” [Jeremiah 7:27]

c. Ezekiel's call

"But the house of Israel is not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for the whole house of Israel is hardened and obstinate." [Ezekiel 3:7]

d. Moses' call:

"The LORD said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go." [Exodus 4:21]

V.            Faith is the BREATH of the soul.

A. Abraham's example (When called, he did not hesitate):

1. When called, he went. [v 8]

2. Abraham knew it was right to follow even if he did not know the direction, destination, or duration of what God was asking.

B. The result of Abraham's faith:

1. He gave up what was secure and familiar.

2. He gave up what was most precious (Isaac) see Genesis 221

3. His going became "the first link in the golden chain of his faith."

4. He was never hesitant to obey God.

Conclusion:

1. What has captured your eye and holds your attention?

2. What has captured your heart and directs where your energies are focused?

3. What has captured your feet and directs your habits and what/who you are seeking?

4. What has captured your hands and motivates your affections?

5. What has captured your breath and gives you the confidence to never hesitate to obey God"

Never forget. Able. Enoch. Noah. Abraham were ordinary people... just like vou.

"Many Christians become frustrated and defeated because their needs, wants, expectations, demands are not immediately met when they accept Christ as Savior. They become impatient and quit." [Life Application Bible]

***** Where do You Begin? *****

1. Recognize there is spiritual distance between you and God. This gap is created and maintained by sin. It separates us from God and spawns suspicion and distrust about God" the church. God's messengers.

2. The only solution for closing this spiritual distance is through faith in God's character (love and mercy) and desire (grace) to save you through the blood of Jesus.

3. You are at this point because God is waking you up from your sin. You now have a choice. Will you go back to the sleep of your sin or wake full to the new life God is offering you through Jesus?

Examples of Holiness (B.T. Roberts reexamined)

Examples of Holiness (B.T. Roberts reexamined)
Hebrews 11


“It is easier to follow than to lead.” [B.T. Roberts]

1. Able [Hebrews 11:4]

a. Able did not rely on natural goodness.

b. Able came to God through the atoning blood. (Looking forward to Jesus?)


“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” [Hebrews 9:22]

2. Enoch [Hebrews 11:5 – 6]

a. Enoch was the seventh generation from Adam… “taken” about 80 years before Noah was born. (Roberts says “Enoch died” but then stated… “his body formed an exception and did not return to the dust.”)

b. VERY evil world… “God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.” [Genesis 6:12]

c. What kind of life did Enoch live?

1.) Genesis 5:22 “Enoch walked with God.”

2.) “It is a testimony that cannot be questioned, to his complete deliverance from every sin, and to his enjoyment of every grace which is necessary to constitute a holy character.” [B.T. Roberts]

3.) Roberts theorized that Enoch’s life was “steady and uniform” and that Enoch “exemplified holiness in all the relations of life.”

4.) Enoch was also a witness… giving faithful warning:

“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones [15] to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” [Jude 1:14 – 15]

3. Noah [Hebrews 11:7]

a. “God does not leave Himself without a witness.” [B.T. Roberts]

b. Noah’s day… wickedness was general and most intense.

“The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. [6] The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubles (filled with pain).” [Genesis 6:5 – 6 NIV 2011]

c. What did Noah do?

1.) He remained faithful (without results from his preaching)

2.) “There was a strong power of resistance.”

3.) He remained faithful without the aid of others. Amazing…

“To stem this current of corruption required moral energy. He had it. We may have it.” [BTR]

4.) “He met all his obligations, both to God and his fellow man. “ [BTR]

d. “He was consistent. His piety was all of a pattern.” [BTR]



***** What about his “defects?” “Grace is intended to supply these defects.” [BTR] *****

1. “too prominent it depresses”

2. “wrong it removes”

3. “furnishes whatever is lacking”

“Whatever is needful for the purpose God can, by the mighty operation of His Spirit, impart.” [BTR]