Day 6 – Genesis: The story of Noah

Reading: Genesis 6:1 to Genesis 11:32

“But Noah found favor with the Lord.” Genesis 6:8 NLT

Earth was no longer the perfect paradise God intended and it’s frightening to see how quickly humanity forgot about God. The narrative shows how God hates sin and judges those who choose it.

The story of Noah’s life involves not one but two great tragic floods. The world in Noah’s time was flooded with sin and evil, and the number of those still worshiping God dwindled to one, Noah. God’s response to the severe situation was to destroy the current world and bring about change. God instructed Noah with a specified blueprint to build the ark. Nothing like a huge boat on dry land who knew no rain to make a point!

For Noah, obedience was a long-term commitment to a task and preaching an unpopular message to his mockers. Most of us struggle to complete projects, whether or not it is directed by God. The time length of Noah’s obedience in this task was greater than the life span of people today (estimated around 120 years).

Noah’s story highlights judgement over sin, but also God’s great love and mercy for those truly serving Him. The Noah-family did not run around to gather the animals, God brought them to the ark. He provided food, patience, and protection. God Himself invited them into the ark and closed the door behind them, ensuring their safety as the water engulfed the earth and everything on it. And once they set foot on dry land again, God made a covenant with Noah and a promise to never again destroy the whole earth through a flood.

Prayer: Lord, I often find myself wondering how bad the world was in Noah’s time for You to choose to destroy it – especially when I look at the world today. With Your flood waters you flooded out the evil of those times, keeping the remnant of Your follower save and protected. Thank You, that we can see through this story the evidence of Your love and the baptism of the earth to change to receive Your Only Son, Jesus. Amen.