Heeding God’s Word – Genesis 6:18-7:5

Following the first explicit reference to the concept of 'covenant' in scripture, Moses documents the relationship of Noah to his Lord and Savior. This arrangement is built upon special and direct revelation. The Word of God is presented clearly and emphatically to God's servant. In receiving the Word of God regarding hope for his people, Noah assumes the calling of prophet. Furthermore he goes to work. He listens and obeys the Lord, building the instrument of his family's salvation. He takes on board supplies sufficient for the calling which will include a priestly role of the offering of sacrifices as well as kingly dominion as a second Adam type stewarding a new world. A new creation is pictured in these dramatic events. In the record of Noah's intent obedience we have a foreshadow of Jesus Christ. The record of Noah's remarkable and exact obedience heeding the will and Word of God is emphasized by four notations in and beyond our text today. These references point to the priority of the Word of God, the provision of salvation for the faith-filled, and the hope of a future savior who will provide substantially at every point foreshadowed in the record of Noah's obedience...