Noach

Genesis  6:9-11:32

Isaiah 66

1Peter 3:18-22

 

Before I begin with the Torah Portion, I wanted to inform you that this weekend is Rosh Hodesh (New Moon), thus we read the HAFTORAH in Isaiah 66; instead of Isaiah 54:1-55:5

This week we read that when mankind began to multiply.  Sin and violence increased as well.  G-d spoke of one man who found favor in the eyes of the Lord because he had faith and walked with God.  As the Word states, Hebrews 11:6-7, “Now without faith it is impossible to please G-d, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.  By faith Noah, after being warned about what was not yet seen, in reverence built an ark to deliver his family. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”

Noah was a witness against the evil generation of his day by walking with G-d, being faithful, and in obedience built the ark that would bring salvation to his family.  Noah was faithful in a world gone mad with selfish, lustful, violent filled lives.

Today the world is the same as it was in Noah's day. It was full of violence, full of people who cared only for their own desires and not the needs of those around who were in need of salvation, physical and emotional needs, etc.

We, like Noah, are called to stand for G-d and to be Holy as He is Holy. We are His people, set apart as a Holy nation, a nation of Priests. Hebrews 13:6, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?”

Noah became righteous by obedience, having faith and acting upon that faith.  He walked with G-d and was proclaimed by G-d to be righteous and blameless in his generation.  G-d does not look upon who is popular, but who is faithful and full of courage to obey.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z