Genesis 8:1-9:17

Studying the Genesis 8:1-9:17 passage, I can see that it contains much more than the cute storybook version of Noah's ark that I learned as a child.

The Flood was God's judgment upon the terrible wickedness of the human race.  As recorded in possibly one of the saddest passages in Scripture:
"The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the LORD said, 'I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.'"  (Genesis 6:5-7)

After the Flood, the condition of man still had not changed and "every inclination of the human heart is [still] evil from childhood" (Gen 8:21b).  Yet God still makes the covenant that "Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life"  (Gen 9:15b)  and gives the rainbow as the sign of this covenant.  This displays HIS great Mercy, Patience, and Grace; a reminder of His Faithfulness to keep His Promises.

Noah also provides a good example to follow.  He patiently waited for God's command before leaving the ark, even after gaining assurance of dry land and new life using the raven and dove.  And the first thing he did upon coming out of the ark was to build an altar and offer burnt offerings.   Walking off the ark, he probably saw first-hand, the devastation of the earth and everything in it.  What a stark reminder of man's sin and the need for forgiveness; and of God's power and judgment.

I came across a quote this week, "In order to see the rainbow, you must first endure the rain."   After the rains and floods, God gave man a chance to begin again, even offering the same blessing that he did after the Creation, to be fruitful and multiply; with the reminder of the sanctity of life and that man is created in God's image.  In the midst of the difficulties of the "rain", what a blessing to have the hope displayed in the rainbow, of God's Grace and Promises.

I am truly grateful that God is with us through our challenges; and just today, I experienced His guidance and the comfort that comes from the hope that He is able to cause all things to work together for good.