I was confronted by a lady who asked if I believed the story of Noah’s ark really happened. When I said, “Yes,” she was greatly dismayed, especially about the elephants who died as a result of the flood. I’m not sure why the elephants bothered her so much. Surely, the loss of human life ought to have been more distressing?
The story of Noah’s ark was never intended for children, it’s a story of God’s judgement. “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart” (Genesis 6:5-6).
These verses tell us that God is a God of justice and he couldn’t tolerate the extent of man’s wickedness when everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. However, in the midst of this outrageous wickedness, Noah walked faithfully with God (v.8-9). Everyone had the same opportunity as Noah to follow God’s ways, but only Noah was faithful. In response to Noah’s faith, God provided a way for him and his family to be saved.
At communion, we remember that God provided a way for us to be saved from his judgement. God is a holy God, a God of justice and righteousness. Sin is contrary to his nature, so God initiated a plan to save us from the consequences of our sin. God sent his own Son to be our sacrifice. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied (Romans 8:4).
We don’t have to build a boat to find salvation, but we do have to act on our faith and accept God’s provision.
Let’s pray …
Thank you Lord for your provision of a Saviour, Jesus, who came to earth, lived, died and rose again so that the just requirement of the law could be fully satisfied. Thank you that we are cleansed from all unrighteousness when we accept your provision.
Right now, whether we have done so before or not, we accept your provision of a Saviour.
We thank you for the bread, which reminds us of Jesus’ body given so we can be free—free from sin, free from guilt, and free from trying to earn our salvation.
We thank you for the cup, which reminds us of your shed blood. Your blood speaks of life and reminds us that you came to give us abundant life. It reminds us that you empower us to live out this new life.
Thank you Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
For other communion talks click here.
