Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Grace and Gratitude
Read Genesis 8:1-22

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter,day and night will never cease." Genesis 8:22

Death and destruction. Noah and his family witnessed God’s frightening judgment. Days became weeks, weeks turned to months … how much longer God? Was the water really receding? The animals were restless, the condition in the ark was unbearable. They were miserable, yet absolutely thankful to be alive.

How did Noah cope during that year? With plenty of time to think, he knew they had escaped death by God’s grace. The future was uncertain. All the more he needed to listen for God’s instructions and to obey carefully. Finally the call to emerge - it was like a resurrection! A grateful Noah’s first and fitting act could only be a sacrifice of thanksgiving. And God was pleased.

First-generation Christians across Asia can identify with Noah. By grace they heard about the Lord Jesus. Through many difficulties: giving up the beliefs of their forefathers, enduring their families’ wrath. But by grace they have believed and received personal salvation through Jesus. They treasure God’s word and God’s house. In gratitude they would offer themselves to serve their Master. It is gratitude that comes from grace understood.

Noah’s gratitude contrasted sharply with Cain’s indifference. Cain was overfamiliar with God and the things of God. He took God for granted. There is sadly now a generation of Cains in our churches. They grew up in our Sunday Schools. Christianity is their family religion. Will they be able to appreciate grace without having had to struggle for their faith?

Is Jesus our personal Saviour or is He our parents’ God?

When young children express desire to accept Jesus as their Saviour, how can we be sure that they fully understand the Gospel?