What was Noah thinking when he came out of the ark after the devastation of a world-wide flood that destroyed everything familiar to him and his fellow-survivors? What kind of security could he now expect for life going forward? Indeed, the rainbow was a consolation, but it appeared only during rainy spells.
However, there was another very important and persistent assurance that God gave to Noah when he and his family exited the ark. It was in this amazing promise, never-before stated to humanity though it had been implied from the beginning as written in Genesis 8:20-21 (KJV).
And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done (emphases mine).
Yet it is in verse 22 where we see God’s amazing promise clearly stated;
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
With these cycles of nature promised by a direct revelation, God communicated to Noah a continual promise of safety and purpose. A promise that would give him, his family and all his descendants the ability to rest in spirit from the fear of utter devastation in nature.
Ultimately, this promise indicated that human life would be governed by healthy cycles. In effect, these cycles—and promises are a road map for success in this life.
Seedtime—PLANT (in expectant faith).
Harvest—REAP (with joyful labor).
Cold—PREPARE (for the harvest to come).
Heat—THRIVE (on the provision of foresight).
Sumer and Winter—SEASONS OF LIFE (that give productive structure to time).
It is during the seasons of life when we follow (and learn to work with) the flow of time when real success comes. Conversely, it’s like swimming upstream when we try to succeed by working against the momentum of the seasons and times of our life!
Day and Night—A TIME FOR EVERYTHING (that generates fresh energy).
It is the continual fluctuation of light and dark in life that makes possible continuous renewal by providing fresh energy for renewed labor.
These cycles were frequent and dependably repetitive so that Noah and all humankind after him could trust in the goodness of God and the faithfulness of His promise.
So then, in every kind of sowing and reaping season of your life, be it natural or spiritual, you can trust the Father and “…know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).
That said, dear brothers and sisters, keep on planting! Keep on harvesting! Keep on resting so you can keep on working! Keep on preparing and thriving on the provision of your foresight and joyful labor.
In closing, make sure to let yourself enjoy the fruit of your labor. And don’t forget to share. That is the essence of a generous eye—and a well-discipled life.
Love to you all, my friends,
Dr. Bron
