Key Messages (book): "Running with the Giants: John Maxwell

Key Messages from “Running with the giants” by John Maxwell

The first person we can learn from the Old Testament is: Noah

Topics of contemplation:

-you can make a difference to your family

-you can make a difference to the whole environment

-you can make a difference to the future generation

-you can make a difference according to God’s plan

-you can make a difference at any age

Genesis 6: 5-8

⁵ The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. ⁶ The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. ⁷ So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

You can make a difference to your family

Those who live a righteous life and obey God can bring positive impacts to people, though they themselves might not  aware of it.

God selects Noah because of his righteousness, therefore the obedience of Noah has benefitted himself and has rescued his whole family.

¹ The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. (Genesis 7: 1)

You can make a difference to the environment

No one can play the role of Noah again, however, you don’t have to be another Noah to change the world, each and every one of us can make our workplace/home a better place to stay.

Noah has the courage to trust God and obey God, though at that time there is still no sign of flood and it might look foolish in the eyes of others. Noah just obey God’s instruction to build an ark, though this kind of work has not be done by anyone before.

You can make a difference to the future generation

Your act of kindness can benefit the future generation. Due to God’s covenant with Noah, we are free from any flood that may destroy the earth. All creatures are benefitted by one man’s righteousness. Similarly, you can make a difference to the future generation through your ministry or bring positive impacts to them.

 ⁸ Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: ⁹ “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you ¹⁰ and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. ¹¹ I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”(Genesis 9: 8-11)

This covenant will remain until the earth has passed away.

You can make a difference according to God’s plan

We always try to ignore our importance to God.

⁹ For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16: 9)

Noah is a role model for us, God regretted that he had made human and other creatures, however, Noah found favor in the eyes of God. Therefore the wonderful relationship between God and Noah has changed the entire history.

You can make a difference at any age

God can transform anyone regardless of his/her age and qualifications. When Jesus performs the miracle to feed the 5000 people by using 5 loafs of bread and 2 fishes, the person who gives Jesus these 5 loafs of bread and 2 fishes is just a little boy.

When the Lord tells Noah to go into the ark, Noah is already 600 year-old. Therefore age is never an issue for God.