As the ark’s occupants left, God gave them a command for purposeful proliferation. The flood had destroyed all other life on the land. Now, God wanted them to multiply and populate the earth. Genesis 9:1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons and told them, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth… 7 Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate the earth.” [1]
God gave Noah and his family a purpose in the new world after the flood. From this command, we can see that God was not done with humanity. God had a continuing purpose for the human race. Generations were to reproduce because it was through them that Jesus would be born. God had a plan to save us from our sins and sent Jesus at the right time. Galatians 4: 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.[2]
God’s Purpose for Us
God wanted Noah and his family to live faithfully and with purpose. He had preserved their lives through the flood. We learn that if that is true, God calls us to live a life of faith as we follow His purpose. Like Noah, we are to do this even if times are difficult. God’s promises to Noah extend down to us. I believe that God gives us a purpose and shows us the way to live so we can flourish in all areas of life.
Psalm 1: 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
4 But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. 5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. 6 For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.[3]
God’s Faithfulness Anchors Us
Noah’s world was chaotic and difficult during the flood. Our culture is undergoing massive changes, and our times seem chaotic. Yet, we can count on God to remain faithful and give us a purpose. God commanded purposeful proliferation for Noah and his family to continue His plan for humanity and a Savior. God has a purpose for us, even in challenging times. He is faithful in empowering this purpose as we turn to Him.
Ephesians 2: 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [4]
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/restoration-through-covenant
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.