"Provision for Obedience"

 

“Provision for Obedience”

 

This past July I began a new method of journaling (see the previous article by this title). I read a chapter in Scripture, pick out a key word or two (or phrase) and jot down the thoughts God brings to mind. Today I was in Genesis 8 which tells of the great flood’s coming to an end. I chose “recede” and “dried up” which describe God’s preparing the earth for rehabitation by humans and animals. In my reflections I saw a truth that needed to be reinforced in my mind and another I hadn’t noticed before.

The first thing Noah did when he and his family emerged from the ark was build an altar and likely lead his family in a time of worship and thanksgiving (Genesis 8:20-22). God used this to remind me that my first response to His blessings in my life ought to be acknowledging His goodness. How often have I been the recipient of His gifts and not taken time to honor Him. Paul admonishes me to “…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Just as the thankful leper received a word of encouragement from Jesus (Luke 17:17-19) we’re enriched by our gratitude (“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits….” (Psalm 68:19, NKJV).

The first of the 613 commands in the Old Testament is in Genesis 1:28: “Be fruitful and increase in number: fill the earth and subdue it.” This began with Cain’s birth (Genesis 4:1) and continued until human wickedness led to God’s destroying life on earth except for Noah’s family and the animals in the ark. When the rain stopped the flood waters receded and the earth became dry, a process that took about 220 days. God then commanded the eight people to leave the ark and let the animals loose. So He made provision for His command to be followed in the reestablishing of life on the land (Genesis 8:16-19). In all my reading of God’s Word I never before made this connection. I’m thankful that even at 80 years young God’s still showing me “…great and unsearchable things….” (to take some liberties with Jeremiah 33:3)—and I pray I’ll never stop learning.

God never gives commands without providing resources for us to do what He says (“…God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”—2 Corinthians 9:8, emphasis added). So before I say, “I can’t” to a command I must say, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, emphasis added) and move ahead with Him in faith.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan