"Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark — you and your sons and your wife, and your sons' wives with you." Gen 6:17-18
Today, men and women are given in marriage. Today there is a lot of evil present and things are being done that are scarcely imaginable. These things grieve God. People are corrupt and filled with violence. Despite this, however, there are some good people who follow God.
Though all of these statements are true in 2011, you will find the same conditions discussed in Genesis 6:1-2, 5-6, 8-9 and 12-13. Then, it was these very stated situations that caused God to bring about the greatest calamity in history. To be sure, we have earthquakes, droughts, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and even floods but nothing compares to what He brought about then.
Despite this, God ensured that mankind would survive by preserving the righteous Noah and his family. It should also be said that He gave all of mankind time to repent and seek safety in the vehicle prepared for salvation.
As we (on the St. Louis Area Family Gospel Cruise) look away from our own ark of safety in the midst of the sea, we can view what Noah and his family saw: water as far as the eye could see in all directions. In that the same conditions of Noah's time persist today, if they were deserving of destruction, what of us? Is the story of Noah a warning to the church? Is it a warning to us in our own personal lives?
God certainly punishes. According to Gen 8:1-5, God also relented in His punishment even as He does with us.
Beloved, the promise that He made then still holds true today. He will never destroy the earth with water again. He has always ensured that there will be a remnant of His people to continue to live and glorify His name. 1 Peter 3:20-21 says that, "the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." As there was a vehicle to save man in Noah's time, there is one that remains to save us to this day. Let us heed the warning while there is yet still time. God preserve us.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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