Working in Dangerous Grounds

The Bible tells us in the letter to the Hebrews 12:7-9 that being servants of Christ does not mean "all is well" or "perfect". We have to share in our Lord Jesus Christ's sufferings. Thus the writer is saying that being God's sons means that

He is disciplining us, so that our faith in Him is proven to be genuine. Based on our perseverance and endurance, we move along the road to salvation, which Jesus has provided.

This begins with one's reaction and response to God's word leading to repentance then, of course, to baptism "which is a symbol for identifying oneself with Jesus Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3,4). As well as Jesus other servants of God worked to do God's wish and will in dangerous working grounds. These include Noah, who was a man of faith, preaching to the world at a time when people's hearts turned away from God's decrees and statutes (Gen 6:1,2). But even though this was the case, Noah was brave enough to preach God's word starting with his household. This was not a simple task, which proved that Noah had a patient and understanding heart. He preached to these wicked people to see if they would respond to his exhortation, because God's wish is that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Nevertheless, this generation chose willingly not to abide in God's statutes and decrees (Gen 6:1,2).

Noah had a task before him to build an ark. He took the assignment God gave him and his household, enduring the mocking from this crowd of wicked people. Let us put ourselves in Noah's shoes and view the burden which he carried in life. In this way we see that God graciously helped Noah to preach and work in dangerous grounds. Noah responded positively to His word.

Bro Musanda Mbewel (Mufulira, Zambia)