SCRIPTURE: Genesis 8:1-22
OBSERVATION:
This is the end of the story of Noah and the flood, and how God decides not to “clean” the earth of evil in this way again.
It was because every inclination of the human heart was evil from childhood (v.21) that God sent the flood in the first place (Genesis 5:5-8). The sin that grieved God’s heart was serious, unspeakable acts of cruelty and immorality (think of Darfur, child abuse, child sex-slaves, torture etc.).
The ONLY survivors of the flood were Noah and his family, and the animals with them. Like Jonah and the whale, this is another example where faith enables us to accept something that otherwise might be hard to believe.
Most ancient cultures taught about a huge flood. Some scientists have devoted themselves to studying the science of a global flood (see for example www.globalflood.org).
This passage speaks of a renewal of the Creation Mandate (compare Genesis 1:28, Genesis 8:15-17).
Even though the human heart is not changed (that can only happen through Jesus’ death and resurrection), God promises never to punish (curse, v.21) the whole creation again. The seasons will continue until the Lord fully restores His creation (v.22).
APPLICATION:
God’s heart is grieved because of the wickedness that ruins His creation. It must break His heart continually to tolerate the unspeakable things that happen throughout the world, and to keep His promise to not wipe it clean and start over.
No matter how wicked things become, He will always provide a way out, a way forward.
God has provided the way out for my sinful heart, He has punished sin through the death of His Son for me and raised me to new life through Jesus’ resurrection.
Do I find it difficult to accept the possibility of a worldwide flood? If so, why? Scientists may theorize one way or another, but no matter what our theories are just that, theories shaped and motivated by the convictions that drive us. It is no more impossible for God to flood the earth than it is for Him to create it!
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to remember Your amazing grace, as well as Your amazing patience with how we marr Your beautiful creation. However the flood occurred, may I rest in Your unfailing promise, Your unlimited patience and Your amazing grace! Amen.
I am reninded by this passage that I need to acknowledge the my God in all my ways. As Noah obeyed the Lord in the building of the ark, he also obeyed God’s timing for the exit. How anxious he and his family must have been, yet they waited upon the Word of the Lord. God works in mysteriious ways His wonder to perform and I need to hear His Word in my life. Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings like eagles.
God’s mercy was at work throughout this time in the life of Noah. My life in living for Jesus is not a station but a progression. God is at work in me and uses me for His purposes. How He retored His creation, He is also restoring me through a new beginning in Jesus Christ. As with the world, He is able to forgive me. His mercies are new every morning, Great is Your faithfulness, O God, my Father. My I have the ears to ear Your voice speaking to me, Lord, for You know what is best in my life. Help me to continue my journey for learning in joy.