THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 6:9-8:22
“I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.” (Genesis 6:13)
At first glance, it seems that God is the cause of global devastation.
But the context shows that this devastation is the result of human corruption.
There have been many terrible natural disasters that caused devastation on this planet.
But as humans we have caused so much violence, misery and death on this planet.
We weapons to destroy all life, and we are leading the planet towards environmental disaster.
Some people demand the historical accuracy of this story, others laugh at it and dismiss it.
For me, it is less about the extent of the flood, and more about the meaning of the flood.
Because of humans, ‘the land’ is filled with violence, suffering, misery, death.
God uses this disaster to show us what becomes of life when God gives us over to our sin.
“Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts…” (Romans 1:24)
God put us in charge; here He shows us the consequence of our sinful ways: humanity devastated.
Natural disasters – earthquakes, droughts, tsunamis, global warming, floods – are the result of our sin.
Yet the promise of this story, as bad as things get, is that God will not let go completely.
God may have allowed us to take creation to the brink of destruction, but He will not let go completely.
Through Jesus, He doesn’t just rescue a righteous man; He uses that righteous man to rescue sinners.
Jesus walks on the flood waters to rescue us from our corruption and its consequences!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are greater than Noah. You did not just escape the devastation, You have made it possible for us to escape it. Because of You, a good human is in charge again. And creation rejoices with hope!