THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Yesterday, we reflected on the blessing that the Lord bestowed upon Noah after he exited the ark. He constructed an altar and offered sacrifices of gratitude, demonstrating his thankfulness to God. We cannot delve into all aspects of this passage, nor fully express the compassion and attentiveness that the loving God showed to this righteous individual. As our discussion has become quite lengthy, we will conclude soon to avoid overwhelming your minds with too many themes, and to preserve the clarity of what has already been conveyed. Our intention is not merely to share a multitude of words, but rather to provide you with insights that you can remember and carry with you, benefiting yourselves in the process.
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If our message is lengthy without yielding any spiritual fruit, it serves little purpose. Thus, keeping in mind that our preaching aims to aid your growth, we find our reward in seeing you understand our words well enough to embed them deeply in your hearts, reflecting on them often, and bringing them to mind. By recalling prior teachings, you will be better prepared to embrace the forthcoming messages and, in time, become instructors for others. Our utmost concern is that each of you reaches full maturity, ensuring that none of the truths in the divine Scriptures remain unknown to you. Gaining insight into these teachings, should we be attentive and watchful, can significantly enhance our lives and ignite a fervor for virtuous deeds. Observing that each righteous individual who approached God with boldness received rewards for enduring trials and demonstrating patience and gratitude, ought we not to aspire to emulate their example, hoping to receive similar rewards? Therefore, I encourage you daily to strive for moral improvement and spiritual growth, diligently safeguarding the good already achieved and addressing what remains deficient, so that you may reach the pinnacle of virtue, contributing to our collective praise, the strengthening of the church, and the glory of Christ. Thus, recognizing your unwavering eagerness for spiritual nourishment, I diligently provide you, though aware of my limitations, with a rich banquet of divine teachings through the grace that God offers for your benefit. Today, let us also express to you the remarkable love that God has shown humanity. To this end, I shall present the very words that God spoke to Noah: “And God said to Noah, and to his sons with him.” After blessing Noah and his sons with the command to “be fruitful and multiply,” He granted them dominion over all creatures and permission to consume animals alongside “the green herbs,” while prohibiting the consumption of blood. The Lord, continuing His loving care for Noah and his offspring and perpetually showering blessings on our nature, bestows even greater gifts. “And God said,” He declared to Noah and his sons, “Behold, I establish My covenant with you, and your descendants, and with every living creature with you, including the birds, cattle, and all earth’s beasts that emerged from the ark; I establish My covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be destroyed by the waters of the flood, nor shall there be another flood for the devastation of the earth.” As the righteous Noah might still have been troubled and anxious, fearing that even a light rain could signal another impending flood, the gracious Lord, in His wisdom, reassured him against such fears. Knowing that even minor distress could overwhelm him, God wished to free him from all trepidation and grant him peace. He promised that such punishment would not be inflicted again. Indeed, He had already proclaimed this assurance prior to the blessing, stating, as you have heard, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake” (Genesis 8:21); despite the wickedness that may arise, I will not subject humanity to such a punishment. Yet, highlighting His boundless mercy, He reiterates the same promise, so that Noah would not become anxious, pondering how God, after blessing our race and granting it the ability to multiply, had previously caused widespread destruction. To eliminate any uncertainty from Noah’s mind and affirm that this would not occur again, God stated, “As I once brought a flood to cease the wickedness and its spread, so I promise not to repeat this in humanity, allowing you to live your lives unafraid.” This is the essence of His declaration: “Behold, I establish My covenant,” which is akin to forming a contract. When individuals make promises, it signifies a binding agreement that provides assurance. The gracious Lord proclaims, “Behold, I establish My covenant.” He wisely emphasized “I establish,” meaning He renews what had been utterly severed due to human sin. He confirms that He restores His covenant with you and your descendants. Observe the compassion of the Lord: He extends the covenant not only to you but also ensures its enduring sanctity for your heirs.