Read Genesis 6:8-22

The Character of Noah

Genesis 6:8 makes the simple statement that “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” What made Noah different than all the others who lived on the earth at that time?

First, Moses tells us that “Noah was a just man” (Genesis 6:9). That is, he lived according to the law to which he was amenable. He did what was commanded and expected of him.

Second, Noah was “perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:9). Not sinless; only the Son of God can lay claim to such. In relation to the world in which he lived, however, Noah stood out as relatively perfect.

Third, “Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). This is the same thing that was said of the patriarch Enoch in Genesis 5:22. He was striving to please God in heaven, despite the evil world’s negative influence.

Because of the violence and corruption in the world, God made a decision to start over. Yet, He showed favor to Noah because Noah tried to do what God expected. The Lord instructed Noah to build an ark. More than that, God gave Noah specifics about the materials with which he should build, and the dimensions of the ark. God even told Noah to make preparations for food for himself, his family, and the animals. God left nothing to Noah’s imagination; He told Noah what was expected.

Genesis 6:22 says, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” But what if he didn’t?

What if Noah had decided that oak would have been prettier than gopherwood? What if Noah had decided that fifty cubits would not be wide enough to house all the animals, and he decided to make it sixty cubits instead? What if Noah had invited his very good friends to join him and his family on the ark?

Friends, we need to follow God’s instructions to the very best of our ability. If we knowingly disobey Him, we cannot expect to find grace in His sight. “According to all God commanded him, so he did.” Have you done all that God has commanded of you in this Christian age?