Genesis 6:22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

    

    I have so many happy childhood memories. Most of them involve my mother in some way. One set of memories, all variations of one theme, have to do with my mother giving me instruction. There were times when I was beginning to reason things through and I felt that this was a good plan in all areas of life. So when mom would tell me to do something, I would ask “why.” As I recall, it didn’t take mom very long to come up with a compelling reason. Almost immediately she responded, “because I said so.” In one of my at once more and significantly less thoughtful moments I told her, “if you’d just tell me why, I’d be happy to do it.” Needless to say, I only got the original reason, though more forcefully!

    What I didn’t realize at the time was that mom was instructing me in the way we should operate when God gives us instructions. It’s easy to think of seven-year-old me not being able to understand all the reasons my adult mother would have for telling me to do something. But there are times when following God’s instructions will make even less sense to us. If you are waiting for God to explain Himself before you will agree to obey, I put to you that you have completely misunderstood the relationship you may claim to have with Him!

    Here’s what I know about God: He is the all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere-at-once, just, loving, Creator King of the universe. He needs nothing from me. He has no needs! The things He asks of me, are not to fill some lack on His part. He exists outside of time, therefore He sees the ultimate ‘big picture’. He is never surprised, never caught wondering what to do! He knows all about me, yet He loves me! He is perfect and, therefore, loves me perfectly. Nothing I can do for Him will inspire Him to love me more. 

    So why does He issue commands to me? Specifically, I may not always know. In general, He issues commands or gives instruction precisely because He knows how much better off I will be by obeying. Read Noah’s story. It’s full of times where Noah had to walk by faith. Today’s verse, and others, tell us that Noah was committed to obey God. 

    How might your life be different if you made a similar commitment? To obey God at every turn? To follow His commands when friends or relations do not? To accept His wisdom as eternal and not subject to the latest social media trends? Do that, and you can be like Noah! Then it can be said of you, ________ found favor in the eyes of the Lord!

Blessings,

Pastor Russ