We’re continuing our “Kingdom Rebellion” series. Previously, we discussed Genesis chapters 7 to 9, focusing on the flood narrative and identifying Jesus as our means of salvation, akin to Noah’s ark. This session will explore the events following the flood, emphasizing biblical patterns.
Genesis 8:15–19 (NIV)
15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. 17 Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number on it.” 18 So Noah came out, together with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. 19 All the animals and all the creatures that move along the ground and all the birds—everything that moves on land—came out of the ark, one kind after another.
Just as Adam and Eve were tasked in Genesis 1 to populate the earth, Noah and his family received a similar mandate post-flood.
Genesis 9:1 (NIV)
1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.
Unfortunately, a bad situation is repeating itself: once again, nakedness and shame are in a garden.
Genesis 9:18–25 (NIV)
18 The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan.) 19 These were the three sons of Noah, and from them came the people who were scattered over the whole earth. 20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked. 24 When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said, “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers.”
This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we’ll delve into this garden episode, highlighting the significance of recognizing patterns throughout the Bible and encouraging everyone to engage with scripture regularly.
Psalm 19:7–14 (NIV)
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
God has given us His word, enabling us to comprehend everything He desires us to know about Himself and His redemptive work in Jesus. As we said last week, there is no other vessel for salvation. It is by placing our faith in His Son, who at the cross and in the resurrection has defeated the power of sin and the power of death so that in Him we might be reconciled to God.
We urge everyone to reverence God by immersing themselves in the Bible, understanding its messages, and living by its guidance, motivated by love for God and one another. Dedicate yourself to reading, studying, memorizing, and reflecting on the Bible. The scripture is the tool through which God influences us, guiding our desires and actions towards living by doing the next right thing.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
