Scripture: Genesis 6:5-8 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Devotional: In the midst of a predominately wicked world, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord; favor being the grace of God in his life. The Old Testament often uses favor and grace interchangeably. And since grace is the unmerited favor of God, we know that Noah didn’t earn this favor.
We do know, however, that his faith came into play. We don’t assume that Noah never sinned. But when he did sin, he likely brought his guilt to God and sought forgiveness. By faith, he offered the proper sacrifice, foreshadowing the cross of Christ after exiting the ark: “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it” (Genesis 8:20). It stands to reason this was not the first time he had done this before God.
So by grace, through faith, Noah was forgiven and truly declared righteous. It is the same for us today. As Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us: “For it is by grace you are saved, through faith”—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” It is God’s grace that brings us His favor, and our faith that enables us to receive it.
Reflect:
- How have you seen God’s favor (grace) imparted in your life?