September 13: The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. –Genesis 6:22
By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. –Hebrews 11:7
It’s fascinating that Genesis commends Noah as being “blameless” and doing “all that God commanded him,” and the Newer Testament tells us he was a “preacher of righteousness.” We hear that the building of the ark itself condemned the world. But then we hear after the flood that Noah’s behavior would scandalize pietists to the hilt.
What does this teach us? It teaches us that Noah is an “heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” In other words, all this blamelessness and righteousness came not by works (Noah’s efforts) but by faith (God’s efforts). There where we learn that God chose Noah not because he knew Noah would build the ark, and not because he knew Noah would be willing to build the ark. He didn’t even choose Noah because he knew Noah could build the ark. No, God chose Noah so that Noah would build the ark.
In the same way, our commendation for good works (“Well done, my good and faithful servant”) comes from the gift of faith in the One who was always a preacher of righteousness and through whom we become heirs of the righteousness that comes by faith, Jesus Christ. That’s soli deo gloria, and that’s the gospel! Come hear it preached and enacted in the Supper with Jesus this Sunday.
The related hymns we’ll sing are:
A Mighty Fortress
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Lift High the Cross
Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (on Reformed Treasures) is up and running! Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15.
Visitors are always welcome!