Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Move On, Mr. Noah
Read Genesis 9:1-29

Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth." Genesis 9:1

December 2004 and March 2011: The Asian Tsunami and the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami. Relief workers said survivors would require prolonged psychological counseling to help them deal with the trauma experienced. What about Noah? He had lived through God’s judgment. Only his family remained alive. Who would help him to move on?

God was there for him. He started Noah off with the same blessing He once gave Adam. This should reassure Noah that God had not demoted humankind in any way. Next, there was a new 'You shall not kill' rule. Noah needed to know that God values life greatly. The flood was not a capricious God toying with puny man just to display His mighty powers. This should have comforted Noah.

Would Noah and his family run for the ark every time it rained? Would they fear the waters and begin paying homage to the seas? Noah’s Creator understood these anxieties. So He gave them a covenant, 'It will not happen again.' Still doubtful, Noah? How about a sign? A rainbow, brought about by raindrops, would be just right. God attentively ministered to Noah’s emotional needs, his inner fears and unspoken anxieties.

God’s therapy should have been sufficient for Noah to move on. Yet he sought escapism through alcohol abuse. He lost his dignity and took it out on Ham. Wrong move, Noah, for humankind was created to depend on God for all their needs.

Psalm 23:1-4: The Lord is my shepherd … Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for You are with me (GNB).

Reflect on emotional scars in our lives and allow God to help you deal with them.