The context of the Bible is so outdated and yet the message proves timeless.
Genesis 6 – Can’t get much more antiquated than Noah and the flood. Floating around on a wooden boat for a year caring for a countless number of animals.
Ezra 6 – to search for a previous decree, Darius sends his staff searching through scrolls to confirm the existence of a command from Cyrus to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Matthew 6 – The life of Christ. A time of trumpets and Pharisees, money could only be given in person (no paypal or electronic bank transfers).
Acts 6 – When it talks about serving tables, it means literally serving at physical tables. And, the heated debate between Jews and early Christians took place face to face, not via a Facebook post.
Yet, the lessons learned by the people in each of those settings remain relevant today.
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. (Genesis 6:8, 22 ESV)
God hates sin. Always has. But, those who follow his commands will discover His limitless love and protection.
And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. (Ezra 6:22)
Obedience and diligence brings joy and sometimes brings favor from other men. The eternal rewards are guaranteed, and sometimes we even see God’s blessing on our work in this life as well.
so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:4, 6)
We don’t need to create our own neon sign, God sees what is done in secret and will honor our quiet giving, prayer closet prayers, unspoken suffering, and eternal treasure stashes. His rewards are far better than any earthly compensation we could receive. And, in this day and age it is much easier to live an obedience driven life without notice. All giving can be done online. Most of us live in houses with unused space that we can find an unattended place to pray. We have various schedules from those around us that might allow us to fast without anyone even noticing that we are skipping a meal or some indulgence.
But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. (Acts 6:10)
God’s Word is untrumpable. He simply cannot be beat. As we stand boldly for Him, we might face opposition, but it can never find a weakness or loophole in the message or God we stand for.
God and His Word have been relevant and significant from the beginning of time through today and into eternity.
Our obedience to Him is never wasted.
Lord God, let me stand on Your power and timeless truth. Give me the boldness to live each new day in obedience to You regardless of the enemy’s counterattack. Thank you for Your Word that bolsters our strength to follow in the footsteps of many godly believers that have gone before us. In Jesus Name – Amen.
Erin (6intow)
Sixty-six books in a year 