May 14, 2021

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:8

“Found favor”, or “grace” as it is used in some translations, is an expression first found here in Genesis 6:8 where we see it being attributed to Noah. How would you like to be the first person recorded in God’s Word to have this expression applied? The Bible says in Genesis 6:5,8 “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD”.

Why is this important for us today? Jesus says, “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the of the Son of Man” (Luke 16:26). But will there be found people like Noah in those days; those in whom God finds favor? “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). How can we be like Noah? Let’s consider three characteristics of Noah found in Genesis 6:9.

1. Noah was a righteous man: The Hebrew word used here is צַדִּ֛יק (“tsa-deek”) meaning just or righteous. Was God’s favor of Noah written specifically to highlight Noah’s righteousness or to stress the disparate diabolical state of the world at the time? Perhaps both. A light shines all the brighter when surroundings get darker. Proverbs 4:18 says, “But the path of the just (צַ֭דִּיקִים “tsa-dee-keem”) is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”

2. Noah was blameless in his generations: The Hebrew word used here is תָּמִ֥ים (“tah-meem”) meaning complete, sound or blameless. It is the same word used elsewhere when talking about the offerings of lambs that they are to be without blemish or defect, or in other words, “תָּמִ֥ים” (“tah-meem”). This ties in well with what we read in Romans 12:1, “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.”

3. Noah walked with God: To walk with God suggests a close fellowship and an obedience to His Word.

In conclusion, the question is again asked of each of us, “Will I be like Noah when the Son of Man comes?” Will I be:

1. Found righteous (“tsa-deek”) having the righteousness of Christ shining brightly in my life
2. Found blameless (“tah-meem”) in our generation, having been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb?
3. Found walking with God.

Just as it was in the times of Noah, God will close the door dividing salvation and judgement. Now may be good time to consider which side of that door you are on. “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22