From v.1-12 Noah recorded a schedule of the water being receded and the land getting dry. That was a pretty details list for the waiting time. What was the intention?
Repeated phrase: water kept receding steadily v.1,3,5
v.1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and domestic animals that were with him in the ark. God caused a wind to blow over the earth and the waters receded.
The receding of the water is a sign of God's care to Noah.
II. Noah tested to see if the water had receded v.6-8, Noah waited v.10, 12
Actually, God only told Noah that whoever entered the ark their lives would be spared 6:19, 20. However, God did not tell them how long they would be in the ark. Shall they continue to live in the ark? They were in the ark for 190 days, or over 6 months now (40 days the rain has been pouring and then the water on the earth for another 150 days). Then the water started receding v.1. After another 113 days, or 4 more months then Noah started to testings of raven and dove. In other words, Noah really wanted to go out of the ark.
Reflection: Sometimes we know that God is gracious to us , and we see the signs of His hands in helping us. Just like Noah he could see that the water is receding, but he still need to wait. We also have to learn to wait. Imagine you are Noah, you are with all the pigs, and pigeons and all their odor for 10 months in a confined space. Do you want to get out? God, you really want me to learn waiting in this setting?
III. Altar v.20 a, b
The whole burnt offering, according to Leviticus 1, represented the worshiper’s complete surrender and dedication to the LORD. After the flood Noah could see that God was not only a God of wrath, but a God of redemption and restoration. The one who escaped the catastrophe could best express his gratitude and submission through sacrificial worship, acknowledging God as the sovereign of the universe.
Reflection: What did Noah do after he came out of the ark reflected what was the most important thing in your life. What would you do you if you are Noah? Or what is the thing on the top of your list that you will like to do after the pandemic is over? Eating out? Travelling? Or meeting friends? Does worship in the church make to the top of the list?
Why would Noah chose to worship? Image, what would he see and feel when he came out? The earth was emptied. All people had died. The wrath of God was real to Noah. He learned to fear God. At the same time, he must have a lot of gratitude. Do you have a healthy fear of God's wrath? Are you thankful that you are saved? If yes, would you offer yourself to God just like Noah who offered the burnt offerings to God as a symbol of his total dedication to God?
Audrey
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