Noah's Faith and Obedience: What Surprised God Most?

Often, in biblical stories, God is portrayed as knowing everything and thus everything is known to Him. However, there are instances when certain characters surprise Him, revealing aspects of their nature that God finds noteworthy. In the case of Noah, several verses in both the Old and New Testaments shed light on his character, focusing primarily on his faith and obedience.

Introduction to Noah's Character

Noah, according to the Bible, was not wicked, which means that he walked in a manner that was pleasing to God. The book of Genesis records that Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD, and thus he was chosen to carry out a significant divine task.

Noah's Faith

Noah's faith is a central theme in the biblical narratives about him. The book of Hebrews, in particular, highlights his faith and its lasting impact:

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By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

This verse shows that Noah's faith was so strong that it moved him to prepare an ark, a task that was not only remarkable but also required significant faith in God's promises that were yet to be fulfilled. No doubt, this act of faith was surprising to God, as it demonstrated a level of trust and obedience that went beyond what one might expect from a human being.

Noah's Obedience

Beyond his faith, Noah's obedience to God's commands is another aspect that makes his actions puzzling. Genesis 6:22 and 7:5 both emphasize Noah's strict adherence to God's instructions. Verse 22 states, 'Thus did Noah according to all that God commanded him so did he, ' and verse 5 reiterates, 'And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.'

These verses indicate that Noah built the ark as per God's command and carried out all tasks related to it with precision. His obedience is a testament to his faith and his unwavering commitment to God's will. However, this obedience also suggests that Noah's actions were noteworthy, as they demonstrated a level of faith and commitment that would have been surprising to many in the cultural and historical context in which he lived.

The Unexpected Surprises of Noah's Character

When examining Noah's character, we must consider the nuances that his obedience and faith display. These actions are often seen as typical of a faithful servant of God, but their combination presents an unexpected surprise. The biblical narratives show a man who, despite his goodness and adherence to God's commands, still had qualities that might have surprised God.

For instance, the act of building a large ark in a world where such a tool would be unnecessary could be seen as an act of faith that would have been reversed by many contemporary interpreters. This willingness to believe in a future that was not immediately visible and to trust in the commands of an unseen force, especially one leading to an event as catastrophic and unprecedented as the flood, would certainly have required a level of faith and obedience that went beyond the norm.

Moreover, the fact that Noah was chosen precisely because of his righteousness and faith in a world not yet ready to believe in his message can also be seen as a surprising aspect of his character. Many humans in such a situation might have given up or felt overlooked, but Noah remained steadfast in his belief and actions, which is nothing short of miraculous.

Conclusion: Noah's Legacy and Lessons

Noah's story, therefore, teaches us about the importance of faith, obedience, and unwavering commitment to God's will, even when the path is not clear. These qualities, while laudable, also serve to demonstrate how even the most faithful and obedient among us can still surprise God with our actions and commitments. Noah's journey is a powerful reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of faith and the unexpected surprises that can arise from our actions based on it.

In conclusion, while it is easy to believe that God knows everything, the story of Noah shows us that there are still aspects of humanity and faith that can take God by surprise. This makes Noah a figure of both admiration and intrigue, offering us lessons on faith and obedience that are as relevant today as they were in his time.