Lessons from the Past: How We Should be Like Noah

In 1991, Gatorade launched an iconic advertising campaign centered around the legendary basketball figure, Michael Jordan. The catchphrase "Be Like Mike" quickly gained worldwide popularity, epitomizing athletic excellence and inspiring countless individuals to emulate Jordan's dedication, skill, and determination. However, today I'd like to shift our focus to a different kind of role model, one whose legacy is rooted not in sports but in faith and perseverance: Noah from the Bible. This sermon explores why we should aim to "Be Like Noah," a man whose story offers timeless lessons relevant to our contemporary lives.

The Parallels Between Noah's Time and Ours

Noah was a man of faith and obedience, qualities that set him apart in a world filled with chaos, moral depravity, and spiritual blindness. According to the Bible, Noah lived in a time when humanity had strayed far from God's intentions, indulging in violence and wickedness. The era was characterized by a pervasive disregard for divine instruction, a situation strikingly similar to aspects of our modern world. The Bible tells us that, just as in Noah's time, there will be two types of people at the end of days: those who choose to follow God and those who don't. The choice, as it was then, remains ours today. Noah listened to God and acted on His word, and we are called to do the same today, amidst our own societal challenges and distractions.

Commandment Keeping: A Key Similarity

From the beginning of time, God's law has faced relentless attacks. In Noah's era, people turned away from divine guidance, relying on their own flawed wisdom and selfish desires. They mocked righteousness and celebrated their transgressions, much like certain trends we observe in today's society. God's commandments are often dismissed, overshadowed by secular ideologies and material pursuits. Yet, those who choose to keep them, like Noah, will stand out amidst a world filled with wickedness and moral confusion. Noah's unwavering commitment to God's commandments, despite widespread derision, underscores the importance of steadfastness in our personal faith journeys. Upholding divine principles in a world that often ridicules them is challenging, but it remains crucial for those striving to live a life aligned with God's will.

Building the Ark: A Monumental Task

God assigned Noah the colossal task of building an ark, providing him with specific instructions. This task wasn't just a construction project; it was a testament to Noah's unwavering faith and obedience. For 120 years, he dedicated himself to this divine mission, constructing the ark and preaching God's message to a largely indifferent audience. Despite facing ridicule and skepticism from those around him, Noah remained steadfast. His resolve teaches us that faith often requires persistent effort and courage in the face of adversity. Our task today, much like Noah's, is to spread the good news of Jesus and live according to His teachings, even when we encounter disbelief and opposition.

Lessons in Faithfulness

Noah's story is rich with lessons about faithfulness. Despite having only eight converts—his own family—Noah was faithful to God's mission. His success wasn't measured by the number of converts but by his unwavering commitment to God's instructions. In today's world, where quick results and popularity often take precedence, Noah's story reminds us that true success in God's eyes is measured by faithfulness and obedience, not by worldly metrics. By maintaining our commitment to God's commands and spreading His love and truth, we too can be like Noah, by persevering in our spiritual endeavors despite external pressures and challenges.

The Urgency of Our Time

Just as Noah's generation faced impending destruction due to their moral decay, our world today is on the brink of a similar fate, with signs of societal and environmental distress all around us. These signs urge us to recognize the urgency of our mission and the importance of living a life rooted in faith and compassion. Like Noah, we must remain vigilant, committed to sharing God's truth even when it is unpopular or inconvenient. The urgency of our time calls for a renewed focus on spiritual values, community building, and proactive efforts to address the challenges facing our world. By doing so, we can contribute to a more just, loving, and sustainable future, reflecting God's love and purpose in our actions.

Final Thoughts

In a world that often dismisses divine guidance, being like Noah means standing firm in our faith and values. It's about doing what God asks of us without complaint, trusting in His plan even when the world seems to be against us. Noah's life exemplifies the power of faith and obedience, demonstrating that one person's dedication to divine principles can have a profound impact. By following Noah's example, we can navigate the challenges of our time with integrity and hope, staying true to our calling and contributing positively to the world around us. Being like Noah means embracing the courage to be different, to stand up for what is right, and to live a life that honors God and serves others, regardless of the prevailing societal trends.

As we reflect on Noah's story, let us strive to cultivate the same qualities of faith, obedience, and perseverance in our own lives. Let us be guided by divine wisdom, seeking to fulfill our unique roles in God's plan with humility and love. In a rapidly changing world, the lessons from Noah's life remain a beacon of hope and guidance, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our convictions and to act with compassion and purpose. By choosing to "Be Like Noah," we align ourselves with a legacy of faith that has the power to transform our lives and the world around us.

If you enjoyed this post please watch the full video sermon here: Be Like Noah