Scripture: But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark; you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. (Gen 6:18 NKJV)
Observation: God gives Noah the orders and instruction for the construction of the ark and informs Noah about what would be happening shortly – in about 120 years, which at the time, and as long as people lived, was relatively “shortly.” It is during this encounter that God also tells Noah of His covenant with Noah. This is the first time in the Bible that we read of God’s covenant with a person or people group, and what makes it interesting is that this covenant, like other future ones, is unilateral – God initiates it – and while there are conditions and requirements, God’s grace is its foundation and people are asked to respond by faith and obedience. That covenant provided not only for Noah’s salvation, but the same grace was extended to Noah’s wife, their three sons, and each of their wives.
Application: God’s covenant with us and our families has not changed and the conditions are the same. God initiates His search for us and extends His righteousness toward us lest sin consumes us. And just as Noah and His family were saved from universal destruction, today we and our families are offered salvation from the final destruction of the world and a place on the earth once it is re-created. The choice that we as parents make – to accept or reject God’s grace, and thus His covenant – can determine whether our children are saved or eternally lost.Father, I accept Your grace and Your covenant for me and my family today. Forgive us our sins, cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and helps us prepare for eternity.
Prayer:
