Genesis 8:1 – “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided.”
As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, several things came to mind. As I began another trip from Genesis to Revelation, the original intent for man filled my thoughts. Unbroken fellowship and Lordship have become so benign to us that we have forgotten what they are and that stewardship of the planet, health, and life was God’s design. Sin happened and perverted that purpose. Man sinned! That is too nice a word for what transpired.
The word “Sin” has become so benign to us that we have forgotten what it is and does. Adam & Eve did not simply make a misstep or stumble in a mistake; they REBELLED! Their act was an act of treason! Their act was to align themselves with the cosmic rebellion against God, inspired by the devil, seeking to dethrone God. That is Sin! Let its ugliness sink in.
When we read, “All have SINNED and come short of the glory of God,” read it as all have turned against God, rebelled, and sought to dethrone Him. Not so benign then, is it?
Sin always tries to hide and cover itself from the shame of exposure. Fig leaves are man’s attempts to hide shame. We run from God because, in our hearts, we know He knows the truth. Sin always tries to shift the blame. It is her fault, his fault, or some circumstance that caused it. Ultimately, it is saying, “God, it’s Your fault.”
The beauty of God is that He knows our flaws and still loves us. His Covenant Promises are constantly in the forefront of His mind as He actively and eagerly looks for ways to bring them into reality.
Genesis 8:1, “God remembered Noah…” That is not remembered as if He had forgotten, but as a Covenant word meaning God was actively holding His promise at the forefront of His mind, looking for a way and a time to make it happen.
Likewise, when it says, “Our sins and iniquities He REMEMBERS no more,” that means He has pushed our sins out of His consciousness so that He does not have to judge them actively. He has chosen to FORGIVE, and in that position and condition, He is actively looking for ways to fulfill His promises!
Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek FIRST…” God is first, not that we do not seek things, needs, or desires, but that all is in proper order. God first! Life becomes full when we regard Sin as Rebellion and repent, making God our all. If God truly becomes Number One, life will become abundant. We will cease trying to earn and learn to be. But He must become First!
LORD, help us to view sin as You do and reject and resist it!
