Barnabas Ministries UK

                                     Rev. E. Anderson

DON’T BE TOO IMPRESSED – PART ONE

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich . . . . for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendour will not descend with him. Psalm 49:16-17

Once when I (Tom) was on a trip with my parents and siblings, we stopped for supper at the home of some family friends. As we pulled up to their very large house (it was a mansion, really), my father said to my mother, ”That’s quite a shack”.

They didn’t realise that my brother, who was about five years old, was eaves- dropping. And much to my parents’ chagrin, the just thing out of his mouth when he met the man of the house as the door was, ”That’s quite a shack!”

We laugh, but this little story aptly illustrates how natural it is for us to give great deference, either in our words or our actions, to people who are wealthy.

Think about what you say when you meet a rich person: ”Wow, your house is amazing!”.  “You must be really good at what you do”.  “You clearly know how to manage our money”.  “Man, you’ve really accomplished a lot here”.  We  praise them – simply because they have a lot of money.

Measuring a person’s value based upon his or her bank account is not an invention of modern society; people have been doing it for thousands of years. Even Job, the first book of the Bible to be written, begins with a description of the main character’s wealth. But it does seem that society’s emphasis on money is stronger now than it’s ever been. The more money you have, the more valuable you are to society. The larger your stock portfolio, the more important you are. When was the last of the time you saw a listing in Forbes magazine of the five hundred poorest Americans? It would never happen; the rich are always the ones who are elevated in our culture.

Even those of us who know where our worth really comes from tend to get awed by wealth because we’ve grown up with such a mind-set. But in Psalm 49:16-17, David brings us back to reality. He doesn’t say wealth is bad or evil; he just tells us not to be overawed when someone gets rich because when he dies, he’ll end up just like the rest of us-with nothing.

Keep that in mind next time you visit the home of a wealthy friend who seems to have everything!

                              Rev. E. Anderson

SUBJECT                            THE COURAGE OF A BELIEVER 

READING   1 Sam 17

INTRODUCTION

BELIEVE: To believe is simply to have faith and c-dents in someone or something It is an assured conviction in mind and heart in a person or thing Such is worthy of one’s implicit trust and will not let you down in any way. With regard to Jehovah: He and His word are worthy of utter confidence. Above all, He is not likely to fail because of who is and what is at His disposal. Belief is related to courage and fortitude. The Lord expects that both faith and courage be in the spirits of all who truly trust in Him

CONSISTENT: In reviewing the life of David one notes that faith and courage was present throughout the whole of life. He started ever so young to trust God and proved Him in so many ways and was ready to display outstanding courage in and throughout many situations. He affirmed as a procedure in Psalm 57: 2 – ”I cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me”. He was ready to step out and trust the Lord with all of his life and affairs and his history and testimony of proves this beyond any doubt­.

1/.  HE BELIEVED AND ACTED COURAGEOUSLY AS HE DID THE WORK OF A SHEPHERD –         1 Samuel 17:34-4O

Very few people, in the main, have had to contend with two animals of this kind, a lion and bear. Both were strong, fierce and intimidating and it would have been easy to run from these vicious beasts. But David as a boy is ready to take them on and deal with their destructive beings and intentions. They rose against him but he not only resisted, he smote them.

2/. HE BELIEVED AND ACTED COURAGEOUSLY AMONGST ISRAEL’S FOES – 1 Samuel

Someone had to take Goliath on because he was insulting Jehovah whom David loved and trusted and he was humiliating the people of God. It was not right that he should be able to continue to abuse both. David was not afraid, but full of faith in God and His ability to deal with this challenging factor. His courage was up to this outstanding contest and he rested in the Lord to effect a major deliverance.

3/. HE BELIEVED AND ACTED COURAGEOUSLY WITH REGARD TO A PERSECUTOR – I Samuel etc.

For many years he was hounded by Saul but committed his persecutor into the hands of the

Lord to deal with, refusing to slay hirn when ft looked like a divine providence and arrangement. It was not an easy period and ft required a tremendous amount of nerve etc.

4/. HE BELIEVED ACTED COURAGEOUSLY WHEN UNDER PRESSURE WITH HIS OWN MEN – I Samuel 30

This indeed was a critical time when his own men thought of stoning him. It did look as if he was a finished man but he did not give in but found a renewed mind and heart in God and saw a whole situation wonderfully reversed­.

5/. HE BELIEVED AND ACTED COURAGEOUSLY IN MAKING ISRAEL A VERY POWERFUL NATION IN AND THROUGH GOD

See the way nation grew strong through his war and leadership and exploits. He believed God would make the nation victorious and great through his headship and management. The people knew that He trusted God and were prepared to be inspired in the same way.

SUBJECT      THE COURAGE OF A REVEALER 

READING I Samuel 3

INTRODUCTION

Prophet: A prophet is a person called by God to hear and know what God’s mind and will is and to communicate in words and in truth what is revealed. It required, on many occasions, outstanding audacity, nerve and courage because the things to be declared what was not always palatable and welcome to the recipients. Samuel was the first of the prophets to be divinely called by God to serve in this capacity after entrance into the land of Canaan. What a communicator he turned out to be in his day and generation! He demonstrated boldness in his ministry and sets a fine example to all who would be called by God to serve in this way.

Ministry: He exercised a ministry in very difficult times and at a period when there was the introduction of the monarchy. It was no easy task to fulfill and required an immense amount of courage. King and people had to face up the divine issues involved in instituting a government of this kind. But he was prepared to carry it through in faithfulness to God and the people. There was no shirking of his moral and spiritual duty in such a transition.

1/.       THIS WAS DEMONSTRATED WHILST YOUNG – 1 Samuel 3:13

He was called at a very early age and in that instance when God first spoke to him he seems to have been placed in a embarrassing situation because of what had been revealed. God made known to him the displeasure He had towards Eli’s household and that they would pay a severe price for their conduct. Eli knew that Jehovah had spoken to this sensitive boy and he wanted to know what had been spoken. It was sad that the priest had been by-passed and that the Lord had to use this channel to speak. The young person right from the start and showed fidelity God-ward, he had not only said: “speak Lord . . .;” he was ready to speak for the Lord. 

2/. THIS WAS MANIFESTED TO THE NATION IN CHALLENGE – 1 Samuel 7

Israel needed to be freed torn the terror and tyranny of the Philistines and so this man and messenger of God was prepared to face them up to their spiritual duty and obligation. In dealing with the matter of their pursuit of false gods,  he let them see what was the cause or their problems and so the issue was sorted out. He made it absolutely clear to them that they must get rid of this false and evil system of worship and make a true response to the Lord –vv3, 4. Before they could go any further and expect victory then this must be immediately attended to-v6. This prophet was accepted and so was his prayer of Israel’s behalf and so a major conquest was known and the Lord evidenced His power – v10. So the message was voiced – “Hitherto has the Lord helped us” –v12.

3/.THIS WAS EXPRESSED IN FACING SAUL THROUGHOUT WITH HIS PER­SONAL AND SPIRITUAL RESPONSIRILITY – 1 Samuel 9:27

Saul  was made to see at the outset through Samuel  that he must give credence and obedience to the Lord and His word. He must not fool around with he revealed will and ways of God. There is the sacred anointing and the prophetic word concerning the providential things that would occur in confirmations of his noble calling. Regrettably Saul did not hearken as he should have done and so paid and awful price in losing his right to rule God’s kingdom. When Saul fails to do what he should have done, Samuel courageously stands against Saul and reveals his folly and the divine judgment that was to follow -1 Samuel 15: 10, 11. Memorable and devastating words were spoken to Saul – vv17,22, 26-29.

4/. THIS WAS REVEALED IN THE ANOINTING OF DAVID – 1 Samuel 16

When he was called to anoint David there carne a a besetting fear -2. In spite of this, he rises and goes to carry out his prophetic duty and ministry. He has to show tremendous courage at the anointing because he has to put the oil on the youngest. The most unlikely candidate had been divinely appointed and it was his task to utterly fulfill the Lord’s directive. here may well have been some resentment by the other brothers, but Samuel is obedient to the Lord.

CONCLUSION

The total commitment and devotion of this man was consistent throughout. He could face up to the whole ration with courage because his lifestyle had been beyond reproach. The nation had to face the fact of the steadfast loyalty of this remarkable prophet – see 1 Samuel 11: 3-5 and the faithfulnss of God to His people – vv6-7.

                                        Rev. E. Anderson

SUBJECT                  THE COURAGE OF A CONTENDER

READING   Numbers 13 

TEXT          v30

INTRO

Contrast:  This man, Caleb, was regarded by God, along with Joshua, as having a different spirit to that of his fellow spies  –  Num 14:23  He was not to be classified in the same grouping or class of the other ten.  The mind and heart attitude of this person was of such a disposition that it was acceptable and approved of by the Lord.  It stood in vivid contrast to the negative spirit and outlook of his compatriots before the Lord.  It proved to be his blessedness, salvation and reward.  He refused to be caught up in the thoughts and feelings of the majority.

Contention:  He had a spirit that willed to enter into righteous contention and was inspired to promote it in others.  By example and word he sought to stir others to noble and impossible enterprise so that they might become achievers.  He knew that if there was anything worth owning it usually had to be contended for and so went for it.  “Going for it” could be an apt description and testimony of his life and action.

1/. HE CONTENDED WITH THE PROSPECT OF VIEWING THE LAND – Numbers 13:6

He came from a good tribe, Judah, and was willing to go forth and see what God wanted to bring His people into.  It was quite an audacious mission and he was glad to be part of the investigating body of men.  He welcomed the foretaste of knowing what lay ahead in terms of possession and opposition.  It was not a comfortable assignment but he had the will to be in the team of men.  There would be difficulties but these were there to be negotiated.

2/. HE CONTENDED THE TRUTH THAT THEY WERE WELLABLE TO GO IN  AND TAKE THE LAND –    Numbers 13:30

He was not going to be overcome at the start with a negative mind or mood.  There was no way that he was going to be intimidated by the land, the opposition of the enemies or by the spirit of unbelief amongst his own.  He was immediately ready to withstand any measures that would seek to prevent any going forward to achieve this great move.  He, along was not afraid to show their disgust at the unbelief – Numbers 14:6 and to state the case for God  vv7-9.

3/. HE CONTENDED THROUGHOUT THE TRIAL PERIOD OF FORTY YEARS

There was a very long stretch of time to wait before the ultimate going in but there was no weakening on his part.  The Lord had given promise to him and Joshua that they would make it and he did not let go but tenaciously held to what God had assured.  This was a hard season to deal with but there was no fainting.

4/. HE CONTENDED WHEN THE TIME TO ACTUALLY POSSESS – Joshua 14:11

Hebron was to become his inheritance, a mountainous situation.  He was not afraid to move on at this late stage of life and claim all that God had promised.  He was there to give the lead and inspire the new generation to obtain all that was theirs in God.

Because he contended he conquered and possessed

                                       Rev. E. Anderson

SUBJECT                  THE COURAGE OF A POSSESSOR

READING   Joshua 1

TEXT          vv6,7,8

INTRODUCTION

Difference:  This man was called to succeed Moses but he was not to be another Moses.  He had been greatly mentored and tutored by him yet he was not to ape him.  The Lord made him to be different and he had a different role for him to fulfil for Him at an important time.  Whilst he benefited enormously through the input and example of this very godly leader, he had not to act like him in manners or to function in the way he did.  He also required courage of a different kind because his circumstances would be utterly diverse to what had been encountered before.  The Lord knew that and that is why He sought to infuse him from the start with great promises and assurance.

Commitment:  His consecration never appears to be in question throughout his whole life and this contributed a great deal to the success of life and mission. He rendered to the Lord, Moses and the people of God an unswerving loyalty that ultimately brought the approval of the Lord and lasting rewards.  Courage was linked to this commitment and made him a rich possessor.  It is noted in a number of instances.

1/. IN CONTENTION WITH THE AMALEKITES   Ex 17

Soon after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt there came the conflict with the Amalekites and Joshua was the one called to lead Israel’s hosts.  It must have been quite a challenge to him yet he did not run away from it.  He must have realized that it was an opportunity to prove the Lord and his own spiritual metal.  Little did he know that this was preparation ground for something bigger later on. This is often the procedure of the Lord with His servants. 

2/. IN STANDING AGAINST THE TEN SPIES   Numbers 13

He, along with Caleb, rejected the spirit and attitude of the other ten who were of a  fearful mind and spirit.  There was an attitude of defiance in him to the negativism and pessimism of his compatriots and God was pleased with this mind and heart set. It is stated of Joshua and Caleb that they were of ‘a different spirit.’ 

3/.  IN ASSUMING THE ROLE OF LEADER   Joshua 1

Taking over from Moses was enough to scare anyone off.  This man had seen all that Moses had accomplished and had to put up with and he could have readily backed off from such a divine appointment.  Moses looked an intimidating figure and had exercised so much authority in God and these factors could have made him refuse the position.

5/. IN READINESS TO TAKE ON ALL THEIR ENEMIES    Joshua 1

The Lord gave a list of the formidable powers that would be there to resist any attempt to take their territory.  They would not readily give in and up, so an enormous spirit would be required to see the whole project through.  It would not be an easy agenda as he had Israel to deal with as well.  There would be problems and difficulties in this task but he knew with God, all things were possible.  As far as he was concerned, God, His presence, promises and power were sufficient to bring about the downfall of all the opposition and make Israel the total possessors of the whole land. The story is one of courage and conquest. 

6/.  IN THE PREPAREDNESS TO CHALLENGE ISRAEL WITH A CHOICE OF GREAT CONSEQUENCES   – Joshua 24

In coming to the end of his days, one does not find him in a weak, insipid state but was wide awake and as a strong as ever in spirit.  He was not for turning at the climax of his life.  With regard to himself and his household his mind was clearly made up: “We are going to serve the Lord.”  But he set the tone for the leadership and nation for years to come by his bold approach and created the spiritual climate for others to make the same kind of commitment.

                                        Rev. E. Anderson

SUBJECT                   THE COURAGE OF A LEADER 

READING     Exodus 1-3

TEXT           Hebrews 11:23-29

INTRO

Failure:  In spite of the fact that he had been schooled in all the arts and skills of the Egyptians and had evidently proved himself in relation to them  –  Acts 7:22, yet when an extreme moment of danger of life came to him regarding himself, he runs away from his mission.  When it becomes known he had slain an Egyptian he takes flight.  It would appear from this that he is viewed as a coward.  He feels in a hopeless and helpless situation and opts out of staying around.  One would consider this as a lack of courage and so he was a failure.

Transformation:  The Lord meets him much later down the line in order to make a  courageous leader out of him.  Any inspiration he may have had was gone and he may have felt that he had missed it.  But God encountered him with a revelation of Himself as Jehovah, renewed him, gave him a divine sense of calling and equipped him for the major role of deliverer.  From Exodus 3 we see him growing in confidence and stature in God and so take his place amongst the eminent men of fortitude and strength.  It is possible to see the divine courage coming through at various times.

1/. IN HIS CONFRONTATION WITH PHAROAH – Exodus 5-10

His first major task was to face the king of Egypt with a divine directive to release Israel from slavery.  He was suddenly initiated in going to the top person in the land to give the message that Israel’s God demanded the freedom of His people.  It was quite an assignment to start off with but God had already emboldened his spirit in the knowledge of His greatness and the confirmatory signs.  A new heart had been bestowed and now he was ready for the meeting.

2/. IN HIS CONFRONTATION WITH AN IMPOSSIBLE CIRCUMSTANCE – Exodus 14:13

There comes the time when he is under enormous pressure because of the change of circumstances.  God’s people are placed in a seeming vulnerable situation and it looked as if the plans of God had gone a-wry.  The tables appeared to have changed and the Egyptians are in a threatening and menacing spirit.  But Moses is not perturbed. He takes charge and control in God and so the answer flows.

3/. IN HIS CONFRONTATION WITH THE IDOLATRY OF HIS PEOPLE – Exodus 32

There arises the ugly moment when God’s people turn to idolatry in spite of all that occurred and Moses has to deal with it.  There is no messing around but an immediate action taken to eradicate the awful offence to God.

4/. IN CONFRONTATION WITH THE REBELLIOUS SPIRIT OF ISRAEL – Exodus  16-17

He had a lot of problems and trials with this people he is called to shepherd and some of the things were really nasty.  There was no hesitation in facing the new challenges and finding the answers in God.  His faith and patience and courage were sorely tried as a leader but he was not found wanting.  This man turned out to be a real success story of the Old Testament.  Possibly he was the most outstanding leader of all time as far as the Israelite people were and are concerned.

All kinds of things take place to challenge the character of God’s leaders and they must be up to every new conflict in God.All kinds of things take place to challenge the character of God’s leaders and they must be up to every new conflict in God.

                                      Rev. E. Anderson

SUBJECT                  THE COURAGE OF AN OVERCOMER 

READING   Genesis 42

TEXT          v36

INTRO

Chequered Career:  If ever a person went through changing circumstances and conditions, it was Jacob. Quite a lot is recorded concerning this man thus showing the importance of his life and experience and the lessons that are to be learned from it.  He appears to have gone through a great deal, a variety of situations, to face and courage was essential in order that they may be overcome.  He did have to face the seeming “all things” and they did appear to be “against him.”

Committed Spirit:  There was within Jacob this determined will to succeed in spite of whatever came to attack and destroy his spirit and person.  Although there was much to discourage and frustrate he arrives at being ‘a prince with God’ and an overcomer.  He presses through everything that comes his way and emerges triumphant because he has a committed spirit Godward.  One sees the areas in which he shows immense fortitude and will.

1/. IN RELATION TO HIMSELF

Jacob never did find it easy to deal with himself.  Right from the start he possessed a nature that did not help him in any way.  He wrestled throughout with a twisted condition that was ultimately sorted out in the grace and government of God.  It brought about a lot of problems within himself and others, but eventually he broke through and became an conqueror of spiritual renown.  There may well have been times when he despaired in this connection but faith and fellowship with God brought the dynamic change.

2/. IN RELATION TO THE FAMILY

He not only had himself to deal with, he had his family.  They were not an easy assignment by any means.  His parents had problems, he had difficulties with his brother Esau (contrast of characters), he had major issues with Laban and his own wives and his sons were a real hotchpotch of personalities.  Somehow he had to overcome all the things that arose within all these relationships.

3/. IN RELATION TO CIRCUMSTANCES

In having to move out from home he has to spend nights out under the starry heaven alone.  He moves into the family unit of Laban but still senses this fact of loneliness. In moving out to meet his brother with the possibility of confrontation, he feels inwardly distressed and he is alone when he meets God at Peniel.  He is cut up over the loss of Joseph etc., but wins through these ordeals.  Life and character toughened up in a divine way 

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

4/. IN RELATION TO GOD

The confrontation and wrestling match with God was quite a conflict but he turns out to be a victor. There was the readiness to engage in conflict and it was no slight or short encounter.  He comes out with a choice change and name.  He does not fail in this vital conflict and God is pleased and blesses him in a tremendous fashion.

                                      Rev. E. Anderson

SUBJECT                  THE COURAGE OF AN OVERCOMER

READING   Genesis 42 

TEXT          v36

INTRO

Chequered Career:  If ever a person went through changing circumstances and conditions, it was Jacob. Quite a lot is recorded concerning this man thus showing the importance of his life and experience and the lessons that are to be learned from it.  He appears to have gone through a great deal, a variety of situations, to face and courage was essential in order that they may be overcome.  He did have to face the seeming “all things” and they did appear to be “against him.”

Committed Spirit:  There was within Jacob this determined will to succeed in spite of whatever came to attack and destroy his spirit and person.  Although there was much to discourage and frustrate he arrives at being ‘a prince with God’ and an overcomer.  He presses through everything that comes his way and emerges triumphant because he has a committed spirit Godward.  One sees the areas in which he shows immense fortitude and will.

1/. IN RELATION TO HIMSELF

Jacob never did find it easy to deal with himself.  Right from the start he possessed a nature that did not help him in any way.  He wrestled throughout with a twisted condition that was ultimately sorted out in the grace and government of God.  It brought about a lot of problems within himself and others, but eventually he broke through and became an conqueror of spiritual renown.  There may well have been times when he despaired in this connection but faith and fellowship with God brought the dynamic change.

2/. IN RELATION TO THE FAMILY

He not only had himself to deal with, he had his family.  They were not an easy assignment by any means.  His parents had problems, he had difficulties with his brother Esau (contrast of characters), he had major issues with Laban and his own wives and his sons were a real hotchpotch of personalities.  Somehow he had to overcome all the things that arose within all these relationships.

3/. IN RELATION TO CIRCUMSTANCES

In having to move out from home he has to spend nights out under the starry heaven alone.  He moves into the family unit of Laban but still senses this fact of loneliness. In moving out to meet his brother with the possibility of confrontation, he feels inwardly distressed and he is alone when he meets God at Peniel.  He is cut up over the loss of Joseph etc., but wins through these ordeals.  Life and character toughened up in a divine way.

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

4/. IN RELATION TO GOD

The confrontation and wrestling match with God was quite a conflict but he turns out to be a victor. There was the readiness to engage in conflict and it was no slight or short encounter.  He comes out with a choice change and name.  He does not fail in this vital conflict and God is pleased and blesses him in a tremendous fashion.

                                 Rev. E. Anderson

For a few weeks we will be looking at one of the most important qualities of life to be possessed if we would succeed in serving God effectively – courage. We will note it in the number of lives portrayed in the Scriptures. In meeting the challenges of life and ministry, there is a call for this essential divine grace.

SUBJECT                       THE COURAGE OF A DREAMER

READING   Genesis 37

TEXT          Psalm  105 :18  margin

INTRO

Remarkable Life:  One of the most outstanding lives in human history is that of Joseph.  There was a tremendous quality about this person and his work that made it impossible to keep him out of the pages of the Bible and of history. People needed to know for all time something about this individual that made such an impact and contributed greatly to the blessing of mankind.  Of all the types of Christ, he, above all others, stands closest in resemblance.

Examination:  True inquiry and investigation into his nature and conduct reveals that he was a person with real grit, courage and determination.  Such was with him from earliest days and remained as a quality until life’s closure.  He did not fail to manifest fortitude from start to finish.  It was the sort of life that God was utterly pleased with and justifiably rewarded at the right time.  It took courage to bring the divine dreams to glorious reality.

1/.  BOLDNESS IN ASSERTING THE DREAMS

Some are of the opinion that he was unwise to proclaim these dreams and that it would have been better to have kept them to himself or quietly discussed them with his father, Jacob.  It would certainly take faith and courage to appear before them and to utter such outstanding prophecy but he was prepared to do it even though it was to prove costly to him.  He was sure of the dreams and their source and so stuck his neck out. 

2/.  BOLDNESS TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO HIS SITUATION OF SLAVERY

The sudden change in his circumstances could have utterly overwhelmed his faith and future as he finds himself not a son beloved but a slave without rights.  As he finds himself in the house of Potiphar he could have resigned himself to pessimism, but not so.  He rises through the rank and file to become chief steward.  He did not resign himself to defeat but to the Lord.

3/.  BOLDNESS TO RESIST THE TEMPTATION OF THE FLESH

It would have been very easy to capitulate to the carnal advances of this woman and seemingly, for the moment, make life easier.  Pride and self-assertiveness could have taken over but he refused the allurements in a true way.  It required fortitude and unique strength  – Genesis  39:9,10.

4/. BOLDNESS TO ENDURE THE PRISON REGIME

It was in prison that ‘real iron entered into his soul’  – Ps 105:18.

5/.  BOLDNESS TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF RULERSHIP

When Pharaoh gave him the position of prime minister and principal steward he did not shy away from the task.  It was a demanding role and he did it well Genesis  41. 

6/.   BOLDNESS TO DEAL WITH HIS BROTHERS ARIGHT

God gave him the task of straightening up His elect household and he was given the wisdom and courage to get things right.  It was not a comfortable task but he rose to heights of love and forgiveness that becomes an example for others to emulate.

                                        Rev. E. Anderson

                      THE COURAGE OF A BUILDER 

READING   Genesis 6

INTRO

Admiration:  One of the people to be appreciated and admired from OT times is Noah.  His history and work reveal what an outstanding character he was in the eyes of the Lord.  He was a person who stood tall before Him and knew His favour in a remarkable way.  At a very difficult time in human history this man rose to fulfil a most important vocation, that of being a builder for God.  What he was called to do was no easy project. 

Boldness:  He certainly required a great deal of initiative and boldness if he was to succeed in the task assigned to him.  The account reveals that he had much to contend with but never gave up but pressed on and through until the work was accomplished.  He showed enormous courage, will and determination as he rose to work in accord with God’s revelation.

1/. OUTSTANDING COURAGE IN LIVING A GODLY LIFE AMIDST AN EVIL AGE

Before he was ever engaged by God to take on this role of ark-builder he had made his mark in his day by producing an honorable way of life before the Lord.  He had principles of righteousness operative in his being and behaviour even though others were vile and corrupt.  There was no way he would be squeezed into the mould of the world and that civilization.  It would not be easy but his life was an example and a rebuke to others. 

2/. OUTSTANDING COURAGE TO EMBARK ON THE DIVINE ASSIGNMENT

He is challenged by God to construct a boat of an enormous size to accommodate so many forms of life so that such would be saved.  The work-load was of a tremendous order.  It was no five-minute performance but took something like a hundred years to build. 

3/. OUTSTANDING COURAGE TO FACE THE RIDICULE OF OTHERS

Inevitably there would be many who would laugh in scorn at this man’s labours and endeavours.  Building so big a ship in a place where there was no water and at a time when there had been no such thing as rain.  All he had was God’s Word to trust.

4/. OUTSTANDING COURAGE TO PREVAIL THROUGH THE ORDEAL OF THE TEMPEST AND THE PERIOD BEYOND

There would be quite a lot of things to endure when God’s judgment broke out and the storm without and the time period within with the family and all the animals etc., to be seen to.  Whilst he knew he was safe and secure in the ark, it does take not away from the fact of the conditions that had to be tackled on board. 

5/. OUTSTANDING COURAGE TO COME FORTH TO COMMENCE A NEW CIVILIZATION

To begin things on behalf of God and the human race would not be an easy going affair.  Starting out anew would have its problems and challenges but this man revealed amazing versatile ability and was adaptable to the new circumstances.  He proved that God could be with him to meet the fresh challenge.