Even though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, says the Lord GOD, “they would deliver neither son nor daughter; they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness” (Ezekiel 14:20).
In Part 1 of this series, we shared on the importance of seeing the Bible as a Living and Relevant Book. The Bible has the ability to present a big picture perspective of life while serving as a blueprint to address any challenge that we might encounter as a believer. We also spoke of the Bible’s ability as being a light and guide to a believer’s pathway.
In this week’s devotional we will attempt to Step into the shoes of three known Bible characters. The lives of Noah, Daniel, and Job are referred to on four different occasions in Ezekiel 14. The common denominator seen in each of these men is that they were found to be righteous. Their lives convey instruction and insights in how we can become the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Noah
Jesus, when speaking of the last days, highlighted the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39). It is not hard to draw similarities to our day as we see drunkenness, immorality and anarchy taking place prior to the flood (Genesis 6:11-13). The people had no idea what was about to take place until it was to late. Noah, was a preacher of righteousness, pleading with the people to repent of their ways.
And did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly (2 Peter 2:5).
Many believers are familiar with the account of Noah, but do we appreciate its message for today? Only Noah and his family were spared from the judgement of the flood. Noah was faithful to his commission of building the ark. Noah was also faithful in warning of what was coming through his preaching. May we be inspired through his example.
Daniel
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
One of the qualities we see in Daniel is his consecration to God. He made the decision to not allow any worldly entanglements to get in the way of his intimacy with God. This was a quality seen in the three friends of Daniel as well (Daniel 1:11-15). The fruit of their consecration resulted in their ability to excel in wisdom, knowledge and understanding (Daniel 1:17, 20).
Daniel’s devotional life was even known and observed by those who opposed him. Daniel’s enemies conspired to have the king pass a law that would not allow for open worship of the Living God. In spite of the threat of death, Daniel maintained his open prayer life to God (Daniel 6:10). The fruit of Daniel’s faithfulness to God resulted in his being preserved while in the lions’ den (Daniel 6:22). The three friends of Daniel also had a similar deliverance (Daniel 3:27). This is a picture of the manner of righteousness the Lord seeks after. How do we see ourselves as we step into the Book of Daniel?
Job
Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8).
When examining the life of Job, it is clear that God’s servants will at times experience trials and tribulations. Satan accused God of protecting Job, making the claim that Job only loves and serves God for the blessings. Why do we serve the Lord? Is it only for the blessings that God can give?
How would we respond if suddenly everything that was dear to us was stripped away? How did Job respond when facing the loss of his family, his wealth, and health? Through it all he could still proclaim the following words “Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
At the end of his trial, he was not only doubly blessed but also given an eternal reward of being known for his righteousness.
As we step into the Bible accounts of these three men let us spend time reflecting upon their lives and the cost that they paid. God cited these men in Ezekiel 14 for a reason. May we see the parallels of Noah’s day and respond as a preacher of righteousness. May we consecrate ourselves to the Lord wholeheartedly, choosing to separate from worldly attractions. Finally, no matter what we may go through in life may we always have the ability to proclaim, “Blessed be the name of the Lord”.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Roman 1:17
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Tuesday: Zephaniah 2:3
Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’s anger.
Wednesday: Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Thursday: Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
Friday: Job 42:10
And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Saturday: Revelation 19:8
And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Sunday: Matthew 24:38
For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Tim O’Connell
