The Flood

The ancient world had become corrupt and violent. And the Lord, who sees all hearts, knew that every intention of the thoughts of humankind was only evil continually. How it grieved the Lord. Even though everyone could have been wiped out by the flood, in His mercy, God told Noah to build a boat that would preserve him, his family, and two of every animal. Noah preached. Anyone could come in, but content to be their own gods, no one believed him (or trusted the one true God). The door of the boat was left open as long as possible, but at the very end God closed it. There was an end to grace. This story really happened, but it is also meant to point us to the only Door for our own salvation, Jesus. He said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved" (John 10:9). Years later, in John 11, Jesus would call a dead man (his friend, Lazarus) and speak life into him, mirroring the way God called Noah out of the shoulda-been-a-coffin ark. God speaks life into those He saves by His grace and mercy through Christ Jesus our Lord. He is the One who entered into covenant love with the full knowledge of the depth of our sin (Gen. 8:21). Though not by our works (Eph. 2:9), those who believe will be brought safely through the waters by the Lord who sits enthroned over the flood (Psalm 29). 🌈 The first rainbow in history was placed in the sky by God as He made that covenant. Like terms of a contract, it meant "never again" would He completely destroy the earth by water. It is like a bow and arrow aimed and ready — but it is mysteriously stretched and pointed up, aiming toward the righteous God! Jesus, the Son of God, who was wounded for our transgressions, is the "never again"/the "it is finished" for all who turn to Him.