Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 

We often laugh at the use of that expression, but it is a good descriptive title for today’s devotion, because it helps us understand the extremely difficult task that Noah had to do to get the animals into the ark.  We know that it was an impossible command for Noah to fulfill unless God miraculously performed it for Noah.

 

And, God didn’t only “herd cats” to fulfill His will.

 

God controlled the rain not only on that world-wide scale but also precisely to the day that the rain came and ended.  Each rain drop was under God’s sovereign control and command to the precise moment that the rain drop hit the earth.

 

God even closed the door behind Noah after all were safely aboard the ark.  Verse 16.

 

Yes, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time”.  See Genesis 6:9.  Yes, “Noah did according to all that the Lord had commanded him.”  Verse 5 of today’s Scripture.  But, Noah was so and did so, because God had as much sovereign control and command over Noah as God did over “herding cats”.

 

Reformed Doctrine helps us understand this sovereign control and command of God over everything.

 

We believe that the same God, after he had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without his appointment: nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed.  For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible, that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner, even then, when devils and wicked men act unjustly.  … This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father; who watches over us with a paternal care, keeping all creatures so under his power, that not a hair of our head (for they are all numbered), nor a sparrow, can fall to the ground, without the will of our Father, in whom we do entirely trust …”  Belgic Confession. 

Question 1.  What is thy only comfort in life and death?

Answer.  That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ;  who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil;  and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head;  yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.  Heidelberg Catechism.