Wanted: New Millennium Noahs

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9, NKJV

In this short article, I’m going to focus on what the Bible says about Noah with the goal of inspiring you to be like him.

God is looking for Noahs today. Will you be one of them?

Our chaotic times parallel the days before the flood. Anciently, ^” the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth” (Genesis 6:5). He witnesses the same today. Back then, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:11). Yet in the midst of nearly global apostasy, one bright ray of light pierced the darkness.

The Bible says,

“Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8).

First of all, “Noah found grace.” This is the place to start. As godly as Noah was, he wasn’t sinless. He made mistakes, just as we have. But “Noah found grace,” thank the Lord, and we can too through our Lord Jesus Christ. We must repent of our sins, and trust the Savior.

The Bible also says,

“Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:9)

Rather than being conniving, greedy, and selfish, Noah was “just” in his dealings with God and man. The ungodly scorned him, but they couldn’t find fault with his honorable, virtuous life. Noah’s reputation was spotless. Ours should be too.

Next, the Bible states,

“Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9)

Here was the secret of Noah’s morality. He “walked with God.” The word “walked” implies intimate friendship and close, daily association. “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” questioned Micah. Hardly. Due to his daily walk, in time, the Lord’s principles became Noah’s principles, and God became his best Friend. Noah often talked to His Maker in prayer. He didn’t have a “secular life” apart from his religious life, but he included God in everything. This is the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us, too.

After giving Noah detailed instructions about constructing a boat, the Scripture states:

“Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:22).

This shows Noah’s obedience. In other words, Noah combined trusting “grace” with obeying God’s commands. “Build an ark,” the Lord commanded. “Yes, sir,” was Noah’s heartfelt, immediate response. Such a combination of faith and works is rare today. “Grace, grace!” cry multitudes of professed Christians who attend church once a week, or once a month, or once a year. But how many are willing to obey the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20; James 2:10-12) every day? Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our willingness to “keep” is the proof of our “love” for Jesus; and loving obedience is what Christ looks for today.

Additionally, Noah was “a preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). Noah wasn’t merely a silent witness, but He actively communicated God’s message to others—whether they listened or not. So should we. Noah’s message combined a sober warning with hope. “A destructive flood is coming!” Noah earnestly announced, just like we should warn sinners of pending judgment and the soon return of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 24:37-39). But he also offered mercy—an opportunity to get into the boat. For 120 years, Noah preached, wept, and prayed for lost sinners. Finally, when the last day arrived, he begged everyone to board the ark. Only a few listened. Eight were saved. Nevertheless, Noah faithfully performed his God-given duty. So should we.

The Lord is looking for Noah’s today. He is looking for men who, in the midst of global apostasy, have hearts fully loyal to Him. Speaking about such faithful men, one of my favorite authors once penned these memorable words,

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men,–men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”

After 120 years of preaching, “Then the Lord said to Noah, ‘Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation'” (Genesis 7:1, emphasis added).

May God help us to be such men.