7 January | EVERYONE
«This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.» Genesis 6:9
Lying on his bed and shrouded in shame, Noah lamented his sad behavior. Only a few hours earlier he had been on the street, completely drunk, naked, dishonoring his family. That man, from a human perspective, could not be considered righteous or perfect. For many Christians, perfection is an unattainable goal. They understand perfection as not sinning.
However, God declares that Noah was a righteous and perfect man because he walked with Him. Of course, at the time of his drunkenness, Noah was no more than a poor sinner. He had let go of God's hand, and the result was a resounding fall. But then he got up, took hold of God’s hand again, and was an obedient man, amid the unbelief and rebellion of his time.
The wonderful thing is that when God sums up his story in today's verse, He characterizes him as a man "perfect in his generations." The Christian life is a path that is traveled hand in hand with the One who can deliver us without falling.
When Jesus returns, we will see among the redeemed Enoch, Daniel, and Joseph, of whom nothing bad is recorded. But we will also see Noah, Abraham, and David, who had unseemly episodes, and yet were victorious because they learned to walk with God all the days of their lives.
Take Action
Remember an incident of which you are ashamed and, grasping God's love, seek the peace of His forgiveness until you forgive yourself as well. Sing "The Righteous Noah" (if possible, with your family).