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The God of ALL comfort pronounced a curse and issued a promise of comfort at the same time (see yesterday’s installment and Genesis 3). This was the original “good news” - “bad news” scenario. From that time forward, at least some of humanity began to look for God to immediately fulfill His promise. This probably included some who did not trust God explicitly, but they hoped against hope that the promised comfort would come. Our message today will take a quick look at events after the Garden of Eden and before the appearance of Abraham, father of the faithful.

Centuries after the prophesy of the Promised Seed (Genesis 3.15) had been issued, the Genesis flood came and purified an earth that was filled with wickedness, taking every human life but that of Noah and his family (eight souls; 1 Peter 3.20). Prior to this catastrophic event, the flames of faith and hope flickered from time to time, but not enough to change the direction that humanity was taking as a whole. So bent was man on having his own way and ignoring God that the inspired record contains this commentary: “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6.5). Note the extent of man’s depravity; Every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually! While it may be true that we live in a depraved world today, it would appear to me that we don't “hold a candle” to the extent of depravity into which the world of Noah’s day had fallen.

Lamech was Noah’s father and son of Methuselah (do not confuse this Lamech with one who was of evil character who lived centuries earlier). Methuselah, Noah’s grandfather, died the year of the flood, but that is about all we know about the death of the world’s oldest man; we do not know whether he died in the flood or shortly before the flood. Lamech did not see such a fate inasmuch as he died some fifty five years before the flood, and hence, fifty five years before the death of his father. Years before Noah’s birth, Lamech felt the pain brought about by the curse that had been placed upon all mankind as a result of the sins of Adam and Eve. He also apparently knew something of the promise that had been uttered. When he became a father for the first time through the birth of his son, Lamech “…called his name Noah, saying, ‘This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD has cursed.’” (Genesis 5.29). Lamech was looking for comfort to replace the burdens that sin had placed upon the human race, comfort that God had promised many centuries before. Though we know little of Lamech, we do know that God’s promise of comfort was yet a living hope in the minds of some people, Noah's father included.

There is a time lasting lesson to be learned from Noah's father. Although we do not know the specifics of just how the world fell to its low place, we do know that it was not something that happened overnight. Ever since Cain killed his brother, men sought out methods to dishonor themselves and their Creator. Some like the Lamech that lived centuries before Noah's time, even boasted of their sinful ways (see Genesis 4.19-24). When Noah was born, the impact of sin was heavy upon any and all who had the slightest desire to follow God's way. Yet, in spite of the oppressive weight of sin upon the culture, Lamech remembered God and hoped that perhaps it would be his son who would fulfill the promise of Genesis 3.15.

Regardless of how bad we think things might be, we can be the beacon that points the way to right. The blacker the background, the more a diamond stands out against it. So may we comfort others!

Questions:

1. What was the difference in the character of Lamech, father of Noah, and Lamech, descendent of Cain?

2. Just how far down the path of sin had humanity gone at the time of Noah?

3. What is there in Genesis 5.29 that makes you think that Lamech knew of the original “good news” – “bad news” story ?

4. How important is it to do what is right in spite of the actions of others? When, if ever, is it OK to follow along the moral path of least resistance?

"Point of Reference" from Fred Price

Counting the Cost and Bearing the Cross