Genesis 8:20-22 – God’s Promises
Noah steps out of the ark into a world and a life that has totally changed. All the old familiar people and places are no more. The effects of the devastation of the Flood are probably all around them. It must have overwhelmed Noah with feelings of sadness, relief, thankfulness, amazement, fear, and uncertainty. As he realises again what he has been saved from and what he is now called upon to do, he has just one reaction – coming to God in worship to learn about Him, to thank and praise Him, and to ask Him for help. And worship done God’s way – a sacrifice of a clean animal. Noah doesn’t stop to say, “Well, I don’t really have a clean animal to spare. Maybe I’ll wait until I get a few more.” No, he realises that all the animals belong to God, and it is because of God they are there at all.
The Flood hasn’t changed man’s nature. He is still sinful, and quite capable of becoming just as wicked as he was before the Flood. But God in His mercy makes Noah a promise of never again destroying all living creatures. The earth will not last forever; there will come a time of a new heavens and a new earth, but until that time God promises that He will keep safe the regular order of times and seasons. Every sunrise and sunset, every change from summer to autumn, should remind us that God always keeps His promises.
Questions
- What does Noah do the moment he leaves the ark?
- What does he sacrifice?
- What promises does God make Noah?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would come to God in worship with the right attitude.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters