A deliberate disappointment
(Genesis 9:18-29)
Throughout the biblical narrative, we witness the repeated failure of idols and the consequences of relying on them. The Bible intentionally holds deliberate disappointments, not to discourage or condemn, but to redirect our gaze towards the true source of fulfillment: Jesus Christ. Genesis 9:18-29 serves as another poignant illustration of this truth, as it unfolds after the flood, the ark, and the sign of the rainbow, signifying God’s covenant with Noah and all of creation.
Even in the aftermath of such a cataclysmic event, sin persisted. The descendants of Noah carried within them the seeds of rebellion, a reminder that the human heart is inherently flawed. Sin thrived and manifested itself in the life of Noah himself, as he succumbed to the intoxicating influence of wine and exposed his vulnerability and weakness. To make matters worse, Noah’s son, Ham, dishonors him, even as his other sons, Shem and Japheth, respond with respect and discretion. This all happens immediately after God had just cleansed the world of sinners… all sinners except those on the ark, to be specific. The message is clear: as long as people remained, sin would remain.
This account holds significant implications for us today. It reminds us that every beginning, apart from one, will betray us. Every leader, no matter how virtuous or influential, will eventually let us down. Every family, despite our deepest hopes and aspirations, will at times frustrate and disappoint us. And ultimately, every life, except one, will reach its end.
This may sound disheartening, but it is precisely this acknowledgement of our brokenness and the transience of worldly things that leads us to the profound fulfillment found in Christ. The Bible does not shy away from portraying the failures of its heroes and the flaws of humanity. Instead, it illuminates our need for a Savior who transcends our limitations and offers us forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.
Sin survives
Genesis 9:18-19
Genesis 9:18-19 reveals a timeless truth that resonates within the core of our existence: sin survives. Even after the deluge receded, and Noah, accompanied by his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, stepped out of the ark onto dry land, the indelible stain of sin persisted. It clung to humanity, defying eradication by the waters of the flood.
As Noah’s descendants dispersed across the earth, the far-reaching consequences of sin became evident. From these three sons, countless nations and peoples emerged, each bearing the burden of sin. The dispersion served as a somber reminder of sin’s pervasive grip, infiltrating every corner of the globe.
Contemplating this truth, we are reminded of the cautionary verses found in Matthew 12:43-45 and Revelation 20:1-8. They warn against placing our hope solely in the allure of fresh starts, for sin can resurface even amidst new beginnings. Changing circumstances alone cannot dissolve the entanglements of sin. Its power exceeds our human efforts, persisting in its pursuit to entrap and ensnare.
Drawing further insight from 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, we are reminded that every beginning, every human endeavor, except for the one anchored in Christ, will ultimately fall short. This realization compels us to acknowledge the futility of seeking lasting fulfillment outside of Him. True transformation and redemption can only be found through Christ. In His divine embrace, we discover the power to break free from sin’s chains, to experience cleansing and genuine fulfillment.
Genesis 9:18-19 invites us to acknowledge the undeniable presence of sin, both in our lives and in the world. It urges us to cast aside false hopes and transient solutions, redirecting our gaze towards the One who can truly deliver us. It reminds us that every new beginning will betray us, except for one. In Christ alone, sin finds its ultimate defeat. He triumphs over its relentless grip, offering forgiveness, restoration, and a path towards true fulfillment.
Sin still thrives
Genesis 9:20-21
Genesis 9:20-21 unveils a striking scene that captures the aftermath of the great flood. Noah, the righteous survivor who had witnessed the devastating judgment of God upon a corrupt world, turned his attention to the cultivation of the land. He planted a vineyard, a symbol of hope and new beginnings. However, within this narrative lies a moment of vulnerability and shame.
Noah’s indulgence in the fruit of his vineyard led him down a perilous path. He became intoxicated, losing control over his faculties. In this state of inebriation, he lay uncovered within the confines of his tent. This act of exposure is laden with significance. To be exposed signifies being laid bare, stripped of dignity and protection. It denotes a state of vulnerability, where one’s flaws and weaknesses are laid open for all to see. In Noah’s case, it was a moment of personal disgrace, a stark contrast to his previous role as a righteous figure who found favor with God.
The shock of this account lies in the timing of the revelation. Immediately after the flood, a cataclysmic event meant to purge the earth of wickedness, the Bible presents us with the stark reality of sin’s persistence. It demonstrates that even in the face of divine judgment and a fresh start for humanity, sin managed to assert its presence and exert its destructive influence.
This deliberate portrayal of sin immediately after the flood serves as a profound and sobering reminder. It dispels any notion that humanity can achieve righteousness or lasting fulfillment through its own efforts. It shatters the illusion that external circumstances alone can bring about true transformation and moral perfection. The Bible intentionally unveils the frailty and fallenness of humanity, underscoring our desperate need for a Savior.
In this account, we witness the rawness of human nature and the inescapable grip of sin. It is a jarring reminder that no amount of external purification can eradicate the deeply ingrained sinfulness within the human heart. The shock of the Bible’s portrayal lies in its unwavering honesty, refusing to gloss over the imperfections and failures of its characters.
Yet, amidst the disheartening revelation of sin’s persistence, there is hope. It is precisely in recognizing the depths of our fallenness that we realize our need for redemption and salvation. It is important that we recognize that every leader will let us down, every leader, that is, but one. This account serves as a stepping stone towards the ultimate revelation of God’s redemptive plan in the person of Jesus Christ.
Sinners collide
Genesis 9:22-27
Genesis 9:22-27 unveils a collision of sinners, an encounter that exposes the ongoing reality of sin’s prevalence. Ham, the father of Canaan, committed an act that brought disgrace upon his father, Noah. He saw the nakedness of his father and, instead of covering it discreetly, he went to his brothers to divulge the shameful sight.
In contrast to Ham’s dishonorable action, Shem (Israel) and Japheth (representing the Gentiles) responded with integrity. They took a garment, placed it on their shoulders, and walked backward to cover their father’s nakedness without looking upon it. Their deliberate choice to honor and protect their father’s dignity stands as a godly trait, an act of compassion and respect.
The consequences of Ham’s indiscretion soon became evident. When Noah awoke from his wine-induced slumber and learned of Ham’s disrespectful behavior, he pronounced a curse upon Canaan, Ham’s son. Canaan would be destined to be a servant of servants to his brothers, signifying a diminished status and subjugation.
Within this passage, we encounter a deliberate disappointment—a revelation of the ongoing consequences of sin and the impact it has on future generations. It echoes the parallel found in Genesis 3:7 and 3:21, where God Himself covered Adam and Eve’s shame with garments of skin. The act of covering, exemplified by Shem and Japheth, demonstrates godly compassion and a desire to protect the dignity and honor of others. In contrast, Ham’s delight in exposing his father’s vulnerability stands in opposition to this virtue.
The curse upon Canaan establishes a connection between Ham’s actions and the future struggles of his descendants. Leviticus 18:1-25 further illustrates the sinful nature of Canaan’s line, portraying Ham as a symbolic representation of Canaan’s depravity.
Amidst this narrative, the focus shifts to the God of Shem. The pronouncement of blessings upon Shem acknowledges the Lord as his God. It signifies the chosen lineage through which God’s redemptive plan would unfold, as Shem brought forth the lineage of Israel. However, the cautionary notes provided by 2 Kings 17:19-20 remind us not to place our hope solely in descendants, for even the chosen descendants can falter.
The subsequent references in Mark 3:31-35, John 7:5, Mark 10:29-30, and Luke 14:26 emphasize the potential frustration that can arise within family relationships. They serve as reminders that every family, apart from one, can be a source of disappointment and challenges. Our ultimate loyalty and devotion must be directed towards the one family that surpasses all others—the family of God, united through faith in Jesus Christ.
Noah died
Genesis 9:28-29
Genesis 9:28-29 brings our attention to the inevitable reality that sin could not be eradicated even after the cataclysmic flood. Noah, the faithful survivor who witnessed the judgment and mercy of God, continued to live for 350 years after the flood. However, the passage concludes with a stark declaration: “All the days of Noah were 950 years, and he died.”
The brevity of this statement speaks volumes. It reminds us that every life, apart from one, will come to an end. It echoes the sentiment expressed in John 8:51-58, where Jesus emphasizes the fleeting nature of human existence and encourages us not to place our hope in a transient life.
Every beginning, every leader, every family, and every life, apart from one, will ultimately betray, disappoint, frustrate, and cease to exist. It serves as a sobering reminder of the limitations and frailties of our human experience. Yet, in the face of these disheartening realities, the Bible offers a transformative message.
1 Peter 1:3-5 invites us to embrace a living hope—a hope that is born anew through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It calls us to set our hope fully on the grace and redemption found in Him rather than placing our trust in a fresh start or fallible heroes. It warns us not to rely on our former ignorance and futile ways, but to anchor our hope in the glorious truth of Christ’s resurrection.
The deliberate disappointments throughout the Bible find their ultimate resolution and fulfillment in the raising and glorifying of Christ. It is through Him that our hope finds its true foundation and everlasting significance. The application couldn’t be more clear: Do not put your hope in a fresh start, a fallible hero, a fallen community, or a fleeting life. Instead, fix your hope fully on the grace and redemption offered through Christ. Embrace the living hope that comes from being born again in Him.
In Christ, our hope transcends the limitations and disappointments of this world. It is a hope that is rooted in the unchanging character of God, His redemptive work, and the promise of eternal life. As we place our trust in Him, we find assurance, purpose, and enduring fulfillment.
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