After Adam and Eve, after Cain and Abel, after the third generation of humankind began calling on the name of the Lord, many, many centuries passed. Heavenly beings did whatever they wanted, creating chaos and, quite possibly, mythological creatures (Genesis 6:1-4.) Human beings did whatever they wanted, and their relationships with God and one another deteriorated (Genesis 6:5.) The whole universe had gotten into an unbearable, terrible mess!
Within this scene of deterioration and depravity, Noah stood out like a bright light of righteousness. God noticed, of course, and came to Noah with a plan and a promise. As Genesis 7-8 recorded, God used a flood to wipe out everything and start over with Noah, his family, and every animal on earth.
After the floodwaters had dried, Noah built an altar and offered a sacrifice to God (Genesis 8:20.) If he prayed to God or praised and thanked God for protecting and saving him and his family, the Bible did not say. Instead Genesis 9 goes on to tell us how Noah planted a vineyard, made wine, and got drunk!
When Noah awoke after an embarrassing evening, he realized that one of his three sons had stood around, staring at the inebriated, naked father until the other two walked backwards to cover him up! If Noah felt foolish or ashamed or sorry or got mad at himself for his own behavior, the Bible made no mention. Instead Genesis 9:25-27 recorded this prayer:
“And Noah said,
‘Cursed be Canaan!
May he be the very lowest servant –
a servant of servants to his brothers.‘
“And Noah said,
‘Blessed be the LORD God of Shem.
Canaan shall be his servant.
God shall extend the borders of Japheth,
and Japheth shall live in the tents of Shem,
and Canaan shall be his servant’.”
Questions:
In what ways did the blessings and cursings of Noah affect human history? Do they affect peoples and nations today? Do I take my own words seriously? Do I bless or curse my family, my community, myself, and the world?
Prayer:
Dear LORD God, I praise and thank You for all of my blessings! Help me to become a blessing to others and myself.
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© 2012, Mary Sayler, all rights reserved.
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