Noah was different
GENESIS 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; PSALM 28; MARK 8:14-21
Man had drifted away from God and had completely lost his friendship. God decided to wipe man away from the earth by means of a great flood but God found Noah worthy of his friendship and so he established the safety of Noah and his family in order for him to repopulate the earth.
Beloved, the Lord hates sin and wickedness but he favours the righteous. While the world lived in wickedness Noah was innocent. Prov. 14:34 says “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Are we going to embrace righteousness or sin?
God rewarded him for his righteousness and obedience, saving both him and his family from destruction. The story of the Flood also demonstrates both the gravity of God’s justice and the promise of His salvation. Every sin we commit grieves God, and His justice demands judgement for that sin.
Jesus warns his disciples to embrace righteousness as against the leaven of Herod and the Pharisees. We must guard against the sweet words or the leaven of the authorities of this world. Like Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius whose memorial the Church celebrates today, let us bring the light of the gospel to the world.
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus, help us to remain righteous, doing things that are acceptable in your sight. Teach us to hold on to the things that are true, honourable and worthy of respect. Amen.
