Faithfulness to the Lord’s word
by Craig Heidenreich
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And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him (Genesis 7:5).
Read Genesis 7:1–10,17–23
When Noah was a young fellow (about 550 years old), the Lord spoke to him about building an ark and the coming judgement.
Who knows what derision Noah and his family endured as they obeyed (out of sheer obedience) and the boat took shape.
The flood story is a dramatic example of God’s judgement, recorded as a warning of the final judgement at the end of the age. Let’s look at this more closely.
If you don’t know the heart of the Father, you might conclude that he judges with a certain indifference, but some clues in the story suggest otherwise.
I think the first thing to note is the many years that Noah took to build the ark. This was a tangible warning to any who might take heed. The judgement wasn’t exactly a sudden thunderbolt from heaven.
Another curious element that reveals God’s heart of mercy is found in Jewish commentary on the story. The ‘clue’ is in the genealogy – when Enoch and his son Methuselah are mentioned.
You would remember that Enoch was famously taken up to heaven (a bit like Elijah), but his son Methuselah is famous as the man who lived the longest in history (969 years).
Apparently, the name Methuselah means ‘his death will bring’.
The flood came in the year that Methuselah died.
Perhaps you can see the amazing relevance of these events. Methuselah’s very name is prophetic, and in a sense, God keeps him alive as long as possible, delaying the coming judgement.
As we look for the Lord’s return, let’s reach out with his love and remember 2 Peter 3:9:
The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
Dear Lord, help us to stay true to you and to declare your great love to those around us – a love that led you to die and reconcile us back to the Father. Amen.
Craig is married to Beverley. They have recently moved to Kapunda in South Australia after purchasing a ‘renovator’s delight’, which keeps Craig occupied most weekends. He says who needs to go to the gym when you can knock down some walls!
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