Genesis 7-9, John 3
As Noah and his family wait to get off the boat amidst the 40 day storm (and another many months floating in the waters) that God washed out earth with, we can see the faith that Noah continues to have. It is incredible that Noah had so much faith that he spent about 120 years (according to the NLT Student's Study Bible) building the ark. This huge boat sat in Noah's neighborhood that long, as a last chance reminder to the other people questioning Noah's efforts. I couldn't imagine the faith Noah clung to for those years as he put up with the insults and jeering of the people around him. That is faith! We have a hard time wearing faith on our wardrobe now in grocery stores and at school, let alone displaying it as a massive lawn ornament, questioned by all.
But, we see just how Noah's (and his sons') work paid off, and the flood waters came. And another 371 days goes by, waiting on faith. (According to the Chronological Study Bible.)
But we see how blessed Noah and his family are because of their faith. They have the wonderful privilege to start the world over and carry on God's covenant. But, as we read on, even these "mountain top" faith experiences can't keep us immune to sin, as the man God found favor in gets drunk and reckless.
We read in John 3 today of another instance of faith. Nicodemus questions being reborn to the spirit with Jesus. Jesus explains it as the wind blowing. We see evidence of the wind blowing, but we can't see the wind itself. Faith in changing our lives and becoming new as a Christ-follower is key. We need to cling to the words and promises of God's Word as we step out in faith, living a life for Him. Our reward is beyond this life, in the Kingdom of heaven. Those who have great faith like Noah and John the Baptist, who proclaimed Christ to his own followers, telling them that Jesus must be more of the focus than him, will reap great rewards.
Our lives should shine in exuberant faith! Make people ask why you shine, despite the evil in this world. Shine your light on God, rather than taking the credit for what you accomplish. Without God's direction and power, you would not have accomplished anything. Noah could have easily taken credit for the tiresome work he poured into the building of the ark, and John the Baptist could have made himself look like the greater leader, but both of these figures had faith enough to shine their feats back to God. How can you point your life back to Him? How can you become less, so He can be greater? Isn't that what our mission is at the base?
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