PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Genesis 7-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood.” (Genesis 8:21)
Believe it or not, the flood story reveals God’s plan for mercy, not punishment.
Simply put, this story explains why punishment can’t help fix the world.
The punishment of the flood did not change the human heart, it remained sinful.
We have not changed, humans continue to be inclined to evil from childhood.
Even the ‘righteous Noah’ and his family mess it up again (Genesis 9:18-28).
Yet God renews the Adam covenant with sinful Noah (who represents all of us).
For better or worse, God will continue to use sinful humans as partners.
And instead of cursing it, God will absorb the curse, putting up with it.
Until that curse is fully absorbed in Jesus, and the flood of judgment is taken by him.
Jesus’s baptism is a retelling of the flood story: God steps into the flood.
And the dove that disappeared (Genesis 8:12) finally lands on Jesus (Matthew 3:16).
The moral of this story: God will restore the world through mercy, not punishment!
God will endure the flood of the curse (cross), so that we can be rescued from it.
PRAYER
Lord, even though my heart remains sinful, you have covenanted to stand with me, to suffer for me, and to restore me as God’s partner. Thank you for finding a way to end the curse without ending me.
“Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though[c] every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.” God cleaned up things by the flood – but God knew that there was something deeper in us – the inclination of the human heart – to do evil from childhood. He knew something deeper needed to be done. Even as the Ark carried the remnant – somehow the ‘inclination of the heart’ was also carried. God allowed Satan freedom and so also mankind – but what God is looking for us seeking him – not because we have to but because we want to. God still loved His creation which is why He said He is not going to destroy all – but He has taken measures to save many through Jesus – the gift of His son so that we all may live!
“Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though[c] every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood.”
God has promised, even though our hearts are evil. He has promised never to destroy all living creatures. That is only possible through the gift of Jesus Christ taking all of our sins away, my sins away. He has made it possible for me to live for Jesus and do good. I need to live in His ‘SonShine’ every day letting Him lead and guide me always serving Him. His way and not the world’s.
1 I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
2 Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
3 I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without Thy Light to see;
Lord, just always let me Thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]