Day 2 – Genesis 6-11

Everything around him was spiraling out of control, but Noah found favor (grace) in the eyes of the LORD. Do you ever feel like the evil in this world is too much for you? I sure do. Like Noah, or hope is not in this world. Salvation does not depend upon the goodness of the majority. Salvation and redemption is between you and the LORD.

Because of His righteousness and justice and the “consistent and total” evil, God determined to judge the people via the flood.

Because of His grace and mercy, God determined to save Noah and his family (I Peter 3:20-22).

We get insight into what is pleasing to the LORD by the number of times the Holy Spirit moved Moses to record that in building the ark, Noah did everything exactly as God commanded him. Everything. Exactly. Think about that and compare it to a day in your life. Now ask yourself, did Noah save Noah? Or, did the LORD God save Noah. The answer is that the LORD God saved Noah when Noah did His will. Such is our challenge each day that we wake from sleep.

Then it all started over again. The sons of Noah and their wives were fruitful and multiplied. New human life. The animals on the ark were fruitful and multiplied. New animal life. Vegetation sprouted and everything was new again. Salvation is being spared from judgment. Salvation is a fresh start. Salvation is in many ways a big “do-over”. Salvation is by the God (“the Supreme One Who Is Bounds By His Word”) who makes covenants with people.

Noah offered sacrifices to the LORD – just as God directed (the “surplus’ clean animals were for this purpose) and the aroma was pleasing to Him. So, God made a covenant with all people. A rainbow for all to see. He would never again judge the evil people with floodwaters. Notice God said, “As long as the earth remains…”. Indeed, a Final Judgment is coming and the earth and all the material elements of the universe will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:5-12). So what kind of people should we be? Like Noah, seek to be pleasing to God and you will find favor in His eyes.

Some of Noah’s descendants did so, while others did not. The LORD was displeased when the people stayed in one spot instead of subduing the earth. Worse yet, they were united in a purpose that was contrary to God – and their common language and common purpose left nothing out of their reach. In their pride, they lifted themselves up and did not lift up God. So, the LORD confused their language and scattered them.

When the Word of God became flash and walked the earth, He told us that if we would lift Him up (a prophesy of His crucifixion), He would draw all men to Himself (John 12:32). In Jesus we again are united for a common purpose … but, this time by self-sacrifice and the exaltation of the Son of the Living God. Then the coming Judgment will not consume us, we will have new life and all confusion will be gone.

Consider His nature. Consider his ways. Strive to love Him more!