August 28th, 2021 – Very Early Saturday Morning
“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.” ~Genesis 6:8-9
This passage highlights a specific man; Noah, a righteous and blameless man who walked with (was close to) God, found favor or grace in the eyes of the LORD. Yet, the righteous and perfect character of God is also on display here; it may take a bit of thinking, but let us look deeper in order to see a larger picture.
First, notice that the “eyes of the LORD” are mentioned here. We have already spoken of the LORD’s notice of sin; here, it is His notice or observation of Noah’s godly character. Remember that the LORD sees and hears EVERYTHING and that He judges justly. Second, tied in with that first observation of the LORD’s character, is how Noah found favor in His sight. Scripture after Scripture speaks of the LORD’s unadulterated standard of purity and righteousness – not just in action, but also in the heart. Psalm 15 is one notable example (there are others) that answers the question of who can approach the LORD or be in His presence. The fact that Noah found favor in His sight (and Noah’s righteous integrity is specifically mentioned) is a testimony to His unfailing, perfect character.
These two things together in this passage – the LORD’s omniscient justice and His standard for righteousness – remind me of two other aspects of the LORD’s nature: 1. He gives grace. 2. He desires relationship. Time will not allow us to delve into every detail of both of these things, but let me explain them in relation to this passage briefly. First, the LORD gives grace to those who are humble (see Proverbs 3:34, James 4:1-10, and 1 Peter 5:5-7); only those who are pure in heart can come near to Him. This reveals His own humble and righteous nature; He cannot tolerate pride – not because He is proud, but because He is humble. Just look at Christ and His perfect example of humility…or the longsuffering nature of the LORD towards the rebellious Israelites…or His patience and humility towards us! Second, the LORD goes to great lengths about who can approach Him and who He gives grace to because He desires relationship. Over and over again throughout Scripture He calls people into intimate friendship and unfettered love in order to give His grace and goodness to them. Colossians 1:19-20 is one explicit example of the relational nature that the LORD possesses.
What does all this mean for us? The most obvious answer is this: You and I, like Noah, were created to walk with the God who created us to walk with Him. In the Lord Jesus Christ we find the solution to our sin and the perfect Mediator between God and man; because He died and rose again we can experience a reconciled, close relationship with the same LORD who walked with Noah. Then, as we walk with Him, He will grow us in humility and righteousness, opening our hearts up to receive more of His grace, mercy, and peace.
Isn’t God good? Isn’t it wonderful to have unlimited access to His grace and love? Isn’t His humility amazing and humbling? May He complete His work in each of us for His glory as we walk with Him in grace and righteousness.