Stillness in the Storm of Ridicule (Lent 3-2014)

Noah (see Genesis 6:5-7:23) must have felt pretty awkward.  To have insider’s knowledge that he and his family were the only ones to be saved in the flood that was coming.  To be told to build an ark to survive the flood when nonstop rain wasn’t even on the long range forecast or in the Farmer’s Almanac.  People watching must have thought that he was an idiot.

Think about it, it’s not like the ark was built overnight and then boom: thunder, lightning and rain.  It took some time to build.  Day after day, he probably pressed on with his work knowing that he was going to be saved and any curiosity-seekers or scoffers were going to perish.  He didn’t build the ark in a vacuum and it’s not like he could hide it in his garage workshop.  There were people around and human nature being what it was (“only evil all the time”) one doesn’t stretch too far imagining that they saw Noah building away, and these gawkers thought things even if we have no record of words they said in taunting.

Did Noah experience pre-survivor’s guilt? 

Did he try to convince others to repent or did his simply building the ark testify to that necessity?

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Faith and holy fear lead us to a place of stillness.  Stillness in the storm.  And the worldly culture can never know this peace.  It’s far too busy ridiculing those of faith, condemning us as stupid, old-fashioned, and unscientific.  Sure, there will be distractions of people challenging our Christian faith and lampooning our love of God.  If you follow Christ, chances are good you’ve felt alone and been ridiculed.

Where are you, Noah?  All alone and feeling like a fool? 

Ridicule is an enemy of stillness.  Press on diligently at your work and keep your eyes steadfastly above.

Be Still.  Wisdom will be proved right in the end.

Be Still.  Hold onto your faith. Persevere!

Be Still and Know that I AM God.  I told you this would happen.  Luke 17:26 “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.”

Be Still and Know that I AM God. Keep your eyes on Me and remain faithfully watching.  Matthew 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Questions for reflection:

1. Are you living by faith and in holy fear of God?
2. How ready are you for His return?
3. How do you respond to the distractions of people making fun of Jesus and your walk with Christ?