“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.”
Hebrews 11:7
Noah acted on his holy fear when he built the ark. This holy fear propelled him to act on his faith. There is a huge difference between fear and holy fear. Holy fear comes with faith, but plain old worldly fear is the opposite of faith. Holy fear is prompted by reverence and respect for God. It is our faith lived out.
I don’t think Noah was alone when he built the ark. His audience included those described as corrupt and full of violence. (Genesis 6:12) It is also likely that the corruption and violence in their hearts flooded out of their mouths in the form of mocking, derision, and goading of Noah.
It is indeed a challenge to obey God, but perhaps especially when we are being mocked for holding fast to our beliefs.
Which do you think was the greatest challenge for Noah to overcome to obey God:
- Doubt that it would really rain?
- Pride – what are people thinking?
- Embarrassment and shame as he was taunted and made fun of?
I believe Noah kept his hands busy and his mouth shut. He condemned his mockers, but it wasn’t with his words. Hebrews 11:7 says it was his FAITH that condemned the world. And because of Noah’s active, believing faith he was rewarded. He became an heir to righteousness.
God asked Him to do something that really made no logical sense. He was to build a boat to prepare for a catastrophe that the world had never seen. Is it easier to obey God when He asks us to do something that makes logical sense, something that doesn’t bring shame or embarrassment, something that doesn’t make me stand out?
For the woman of God, holy fear trumps worldly fear…every time.
