Such an honor it is to be known as having favor with God, yet all through the Bible, faithful men and women are mentioned as being so honored of the Lord. Of David, it was said, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will." (Acts 13:22) The account of Mary, the mother of Jesus, was this, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30), and of the Prophet Samuel, "And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men." (I Samuel 2:26)
What was so special about these people that earned them such high honors that God Himself should show them favor? As we search the account of Noah, I believe we can see some very definite factors about him and his life that would account for his place of favor with the Lord. Let us look at some of them:
1. Noah walked with God (relationship) – "This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9) Scripture tells us that mankind had become so wicked upon the earth that God was sorry He had created man, and the earth was corrupt and filled with violence. Only Noah, in all the world, was found worthy of God’s deliverance when judgment was proclaimed because Noah was in right relationship with God. Imagine, he had no other people with whom to fellowship, yet he did not allow any of the circumstances of the world to come against him, but he stayed in close communion with the Lord in spite of the current world conditions, and he was faithful.
2. Noah believed God’s Word (faith) – "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household..." (Hebrews 11:7) This scripture clearly points out that there was no visible evidence at the time that God spoke to Noah concerning the coming judgment upon the earth. There were no rain clouds, no thunder or lightening. But Noah believed God’s Word completely, and began construction on the ark. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith in this way, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Despite the scorn and ridicule from others, despite the appearance of circumstances, despite the hard labor required, Noah did not waver in his confidence that what God had said, He would surely do.
3. Noah obeyed God’s commands (surrendered will) – "Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did." (Gen.6:22) Think for a moment of the steadfast, unwavering obedience to God’s commands that Noah adhered. In Gen. 5:32 as we first begin the story, scripture tells us that Noah was 500 years old. Chapter 7:6 says that he was 600 years old when the floods came. Imagine how determined Noah was to obey God with his life, and to continue building the ark during that 100 years. How often we might have been tempted to give up, thinking perhaps we had not really heard from God after all. Imagine the persecution, ridicule and mockery he had to endure. After about the first six months, I can hear the wicked ones pointing and sneering, “Sure, Noah…God’s going to send a flood!! Ha! Ha!” Then as many more years passed, I’m sure his ark must have become a legendary monument. As folks walked by with their children, I can hear them say, “Yes Johnny, that’s old Noah. They say he’s insane. He’s been building that big boat for as long as I can remember; day and night, measuring, hammering, and sawing. Says a flood’s coming, but I think he’s a little senile.” I’m sure during this time, his own family must have become quite embarrassed. But Noah kept right on working, kept on preparing for God to fulfill His Word. Notice in chapter 6 verses 14-16, the exact details for the construction of the ark. Every detail had to be obeyed to the letter. And imagine the commotion as the animals began to gather exactly as the Lord had specified. Think of how he must have felt as he gathered his family into the ark, and then waited…for seven days…waited…quietly submissive to the will of God. What powerful obedience!
4. Noah honored God (worship) – “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord…” (Gen.8:20) Noah knew the power of worship! God had provided an escape, a refuge in his time of storm, a shelter from the floods of the world. Noah and his family had been delivered from the hands of death, and he now offered the sweet sacrifice of praise to the Lord. Verse 21 tells us, “And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma…” and He made a covenant with Noah, which stands with us even until today.
We can learn from the life of Noah how we too may find favor with God, and the rewards of living such a life. As we walk with God in a right relationship with Him, daily striving to overcome the pressures of this world...as we believe God’s Word in total confidence that He will do according to all His promises...as we strive to obey in spite of circumstances and opposition...and as we too offer the sweet sacrifice of praise to our Faithful God, we will find that we also have learned to walk in favor in the sight of the Lord. As the storm clouds gather, and when it seems as though the floods would overtake us, we may enter into the rest that He has provided for us through Jesus Christ, and "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ". (Philippians 1:6) At a time when all hope seems lost and there is no sign of deliverance, we can remember God’s faithfulness, just as it was with Noah. “Then God remembered Noah…” (Genesis 8:1) Hallelujah! God remembers you and He remembers me! Glory to God! He doesn’t leave us helpless and alone when the storms come. He is with us no matter where we may go. Nothing is too hard for our Father. Even if all the world turns their back on us, we must determine in our hearts that we will stand strong, unwavering in our confidence in a Mighty God who is still well able to save those who call upon His name. Find favor with God today. Draw near to Him with a pure heart, for He Who has promised is Faithful!!!
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