Contemplative Bible Reading

Genesis 6:9 (New Living Translation)

9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.

So begins the (hi)story of Noah, the ark, the flood, the rainbow, and all that goes with it. God was disappointed with what his ultimate creation (mankind) had done to itself. It was time for a reset.

God noticed Noah. Noah was “the only blameless person living on earth at the time.” Wow. Noah was a great guy! Was Noah happy?

Noah was alone. He alone was blameless. He alone walked in close friendship with God. If you are to pick a companion, God is an excellent one. Still, God is not … well, not physical and doesn’t bring some of the companionship that other folks bring. There had to be something lacking in Noah’s life.

What was it like to be the only blameless person? How did Noah see everyone else? Did Noah wonder about them? Did Noah try to convince them otherwise? I have lots of questions about Noah, but few answers.

I read of many of the main characters in the Bible. Adam, Noah, Moses, Mary, Peter, and so on. They are the heroes of thousands of years. What, however, was it like to be them? Often, not so good. Often, lonely. Still, God used them to help me. How is God using me to help someone I don’t know, will never know, and will live generations after I am gone?