20090809
In the account in Genesis Chapters 6-9, God destroyed the human race by a great flood and only Noah and his family survived. Their survival hinged on one reason: “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God” (Gen. 6:9). God then made a Covenant with Noah never again to destroy all life by a flood (Gen. 9:11-17). Despite this catastrophic punishment, man continued to sin and hence continued to be separated from God.
Until then, God had dealt directly with all mankind, but in Genesis Chapter 12, God developed a new stage in His strategy. He reached out to all mankind through one chosen people – the Patriarch Abraham and his descendents – that through them His salvation will be brought to all men. Abraham became God’s instrument to demonstrate His glory. God’s blessings would also be seen so obviously upon His chosen one -Abraham – that all men would see the reality of his God. Jesus used the same approach. He chose a group of disciples through whom He influenced the whole world: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
In comparison to Abraham’s life that glorified God, Lot and his family on the other hand had been greatly influenced by the wickedness of the inhabitants of Sodom (Gen. 19:1-8). The actions of his two daughters as recorded in Gen. 19:30-38 showed how far their standard of morality had fallen. Three generations later, Genesis records the story of the Patriarch Joseph, sold as a slave by his jealous brothers, imprisoned on false charges but ultimately rising to become the Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph realized God’s purpose for his amazing journey: “because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (Gen. 45:5). God, the Divine Maestro, was in full control of all events that took place. His faithful servants, nonetheless, had to respond to His call to be His Ambassadors. Patriarch Abraham was characterized by his faith, Patriarch Isaac by his patience, Patriarch Jacob by his determination and Patriarch Joseph by his personal integrity.
God has given us the message of reconciliation. We are appointed Ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-20). As Ambassadors, our lifestyle, speech, behaviour and actions must bring glory to God. Are we functioning as “lights in the world” and “salt of the earth”- God’s purpose for us – or have we lost our shine and flavour?
