Genesis 7:5 And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.

The basis of Noah’s righteousness was his obedience to do everything God told him. Considering some of the things God told him to do, this was no small matter! The previous chapter expresses both Noah’s obedience to God and the active disobedience of everyone else. It’s not so hard to obey God when you are with a group of like-minded people, but it can be very difficult when everyone around you is going the other direction. Noah was far from perfect, as later events in his life make clear, but his commitment was to obedience to God, and that made all the difference. The story of Noah is one of the most likely to be dismissed by skeptics, but it’s one that Jesus quoted directly, specifically in reference to His return, both in Matthew 24 and Luke 17. Those skeptics are on pretty shaky ground! Noah is an example to us that is is possible to follow God even when no one else is doing so, and that God will honor that.

I’m not sure I’ve ever preached on Noah, but what the Lord just pointed out to me about him could be very helpful encouragement for the flock. In Japan particularly, bucking the group, being different, is really looked down on, and all too often that has a negative influence on Christian witness, both in word and in action. I am not to look down on people because that is the case, but rather come alongside them to encourage and strengthen them to stand firm. It is certainly not easy to choose to follow God when everyone around you is doing otherwise.

Father, You have blessed me with environments throughout my life where there was always someone else who was seeking to follow You, yet I have still turned my back on You more times than I care to think about. Help me empathize properly with those who are struggling, without excusing things of which they need to repent. Help me affirm people without affirming disobedience to You. May I be a clear and helpful example, as Noah was, so that together we may all walk in all that You intend, in full obedience, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!