Read Genesis 8:20-21; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 2:14-17
As we come to the end of Genesis 8, it is hard for us to really take in what is going on here. Noah has just stepped off of the ark after a long, tedious, scary, lonely, sometimes quiet, sometimes loud ride. There is so much to do and they are the only ones left. But rather than taking a nap to get ready, or writing up a game plan, or even just getting straight to work, NOAH WORSHIPS! There are a million things to do, but Noah worships. Resources are limited, but Noah gives his best to God. It is good for us to try to consider what God is receiving at this point. Only one year before it says that God was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him to His heart. But now, about a year later, every source of grief is gone and only one Patriarch is left. And he, Noah, is WORSHIPPING! This pleases God.
I think it is safe to say that since the flood, there has not been another man who has had more on their plate than Noah! Our schedules usually include “feed the dog, pay the electric bill, and don’t forget about soccer practice…” and somehow this keeps us from worship! Noah’s schedule, however, included “build a house for you and seven others, establish a city, and populate the earth…” yet, the first thing he did was worship! Noah could have said, “God, let my flock repopulate, and then I will sacrifice a burnt offering…or God, let me at least get a roof over my families head, and then I will worship You.” Noah is alive! And he knew that he didn’t deserve to be. As a recipient of God’s mercy and grace, Noah saw no other option than to worship God and offer a pure sacrifice.
God has offered Christ, the purest of all sacrifices, to cover our sins and bring us back into fellowship with Him. The result is that we are now called to live every day AS living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and we are to BE the sweet aroma, first to God and then to the world. God is not pleased when His children are half-hearted creatures. It does not please Him if we put off worshipping Him for ANY reason! Our encouragement, as we repent and move forward in faith, is the same encouragement that Peter gave to his brothers and sisters in Christ. “Be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”
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After the discussion on Wednesday, one verse kept running through my head. John 14:6 ...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me. This thought, combined with the new (for me) realization that before, during, and after the flood, Noah still was a sinner and wasn't "magically not capable of sin", really caused me to think about how imperfect we really are. God made us in his image, but he did NOT make sin, that was brought upon us by our own doing. Also how it is so possible for us, (or at least me) to realize my sins, think seriously about them, and then go on with my daily life unaffected? I am not one to admit easily that I have more than once thought; I sinned? Its ok, I'll get forgiven soon enough. But there is one fact missing, no matter how great the sin, God forgives, even if it happens over, and over, and over, and over...
It is important to remember that God isn't a carwash. You know, your car gets dirty, you head over to Peter's carwash, and within a matter of minutes your car is so clean, that you can see your reflection in it. But on the trip back home, your car gets covered in mud, "Oops, back to Peter's!” That isn't how it works. Through Christ, we are offered redemption, however I don't think this can be viewed as a free ride to heaven, I am sorry to say that I must admit to this, and it isn't easy to come to terms with. Believe me, I know. I do however, feel that as Scott said "God has offered Christ, the purest of all sacrifices, to cover our sins and bring us back into fellowship with Him. The result is that we are now called to live every day AS living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and we are to BE the sweet aroma, first to God and then to the world. God is not pleased when His children are half-hearted creatures."
The worship of God is not something we do every Sunday, or Wednesday. It is a daily worship we must live, and therefore, a daily battle between ourselves and our faith, which is enabled through Christ...not us.
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