In His ImageSample

Day 29: Reflecting Righteousness

Discover: In Genesis 6:9-13, Noah is described as a righteous and blameless man among the people of his time, who walked faithfully with God. Noah's faith set him apart. The language describes Noah like Enoch. Just as Enoch walks with God and his life is preserved due to his faithfulness, so too is. Those who live in the world reflect the image of the world, but Noah reflects righteousness. The difference between Noah and everyone else is that he seeks intimacy with God. This narrative shows that salvation comes not by behavior but by belief. Life for many through the righteousness of one is a key concept for understanding the narrative flow of the whole Bible. Therefore, we see Christ written all throughout this text. The story of Noah is the first time we see this concept in the Bible.

Learn: Noah’s story provides profound lessons on faith and obedience. God’s decision to flood the earth can be seen as both an act of judgment and mercy. It may be tempting to question God’s love when we see Him choose to destroy the earth. However, God is not unloving when He destroys the world due to vast corruption. The Earth’s corruption and violence echo the bloodshed that cries out to God since Genesis 4. What would happen if there was a genocide and no one did anything in response to the tragedy? Someone must deal with it; someone must seek justice. So, God deals with the tragedy of the world. He demolishes an already ruined world. Therefore, we can see clearly that God’s flood is filled with mercy and judgment, proving that God can be wrathful and fully loving without contradicting Himself. In God’s love and wisdom, He knows He needs to purify the land with water and wipe away the bloodshed that fills the earth. We see the imagery of Christ’s blood wiping away our sins so that we may be purified.

Apply: As God’s character is revealed, it beckons a response in how we live. Noah challenges us to reflect righteousness in a world of corruption. We are called to walk with God through obedience and faithfulness, even when the world begs us to conform. Noah's faithfulness leads to preserving God's image, and our faithfulness can unite God's people with Him forever. Faithfulness requires saying “yes” to tasks only God can accomplish in His timing. Despite the world’s celebration of pride and self-reliance, God’s power is revealed through our reliance on Him. God's plans may take years to unfold; it took Noah many years to build the ark! So, stay patient and trust His perfect timing and mercy. 1 Peter 3:20 reminds us that God's delays are due to His immense mercy. Just as Noah stood out in his generation, we, too, can reflect God’s righteousness. Be a beacon of faith and obedience, and show others the way to God. How can we encourage and support one another in our journey of faith and obedience? Why is community important to strengthen our decision to follow God faithfully?