Read Genesis 8:20-22
Questions for Littles: What did Noah build in Genesis 8:20? To whom? What did he do from every kind of clean animal and bird? Who smelled a soothing aroma (Genesis 8:21)? Where did Yahweh speak? What would He never do again? Why not? What eight things does the Lord promise to continue without ceasing in Genesis 8:22?In the Scripture for tomorrow’s sermon, we see that the Covenant of Grace continues. That’s a fancy theological term, so let’s see it from the text.
First, there is a Covenant of Grace. God has created a way by which sinful man can live with Him in hope of full redemption. The strange logic of the Covenant of Grace says, “I will forgive man because he is hopelessly sinful” (Genesis 8:21). Man’s continued sinfulness seems more of a provocation of God’s justice than a good reason never to curse the ground again.
Ah, but there is more in God than justice! There is also faithfulness (to the promises that He has made) and goodness (everlasting love in Himself). There is a willingness to display His mercy and glory in Jesus Christ, and His perfect wrath and justice at the cross of Christ! The root of salvation is only in God Himself. Because He is faithful. Because He is good. Because He is love. Because He is merciful. Because He is glorious. Because He is Triune.
But, of course, the Lord displays His justice and wrath also. So, we see the provision of the sacrifices. And what a lot of sacrifices! At least one of every single clean animal or bird (Genesis 8:20). This is just the tip of the iceberg. How many sacrifices would have to be offered day after day, year after year, until Christ would come and offer Himself as the actually effective sacrifice—who would cleanse us by the offering up of Himself once for all by a single sacrifice (cf. Heb 10:1-14).
This solves the interesting puzzle of the aroma. Does God really like the smell of roasting meat? Of course, it’s nothing so corporeal as that. But He does love His Son. He is well-pleased with His Son. And, as all of these sacrifices look forward to Christ, the Lord sees His beloved Son, with whom He is well-pleased, and especially in the laying down of His life for the sheep (cf. John 10:14-17).
And so, God responds to the display of Christ by promising to do continual good to those wicked people. And He does this within Himself—not so much with the godly directly, but rather with Christ and all who are in Him.
What you and I must not miss is that there is a sign to us of this covenant between God and Christ in addition to the rainbow that He will appoint for the covenant between God and Noah in the next chapter. Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night. These seasons and changes are indicators that what God has committed Himself to do in Christ shall surely come to pass. As surely as the seasons continue, so also will God save everyone who believes in Jesus Christ!
What is your favorite season? Why does it keeps coming? How can God NOT punish you?Suggested Songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”
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