May 25: Right-Doing in His Power
“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:37
Jesus gave a wonderfully detailed answer to the disciples’ question regarding His coming, and of the end of the age (24:3). In referring His disciples to the days of Noah, He expected them to gain understanding for themselves that would apply to their own time of preparation to meet Him in eternity. Every student of the Bible who looks will find a wealth of preparatory counsel by investigating Noah’s time and the role he fulfilled. Before all else, preparation for the return of Jesus is of the utmost importance, is it not? Getting ready, being ready, living in readiness, and helping others to prepare is the task at hand for every servant of the Lord.
In addition to being the builder of the ark—in accordance with God’s blueprint, Noah is called a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5). If Noah was entrusted to preach righteousness, we must understand that he, along with Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Job, David, Daniel, and others of the remnant who found favor in the sight of God believed what He said with the kind of trust that wholeheartedly yields to Him in obedience. The definition of righteousness is “right doing.” Throughout Scripture, unrighteousness is directly connected to disobedience: the breaking of Yahweh’s law. But our altogether merciful and righteous God invites the unrighteous to come into a relationship with Him by believing what He says and entering into His covenant.
… the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5
Even so, He extended a gracious invitation to them for an additional 120 years (v.3). Do you believe that Almighty God is righteous? Longsuffering? Do you take seriously His promise to impart His own righteousness to those who are fully surrendered to Him? Do you believe what He says with the kind of trust that is lived out in obedience? The old covenant centered upon His eternal law. The new covenant also centers upon this law: “I will make a new covenant . . . I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts . . .” (Jeremiah 31:31,33). Yes, we are fallen and weak, but acknowledgement of our weakness and His power opens the door for His strength to enter in and bring the desired outcome: restoration of the image of God in us!
And [the Lord] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9