The flood continued forty days on the earth. The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.
The waters prevailed and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered.
The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. Genesis 7:17-21
God judged the earth with a flood. It’s interesting to me that so many ancient civilizations have a flood account of man’s early history. (Mesoamerica, South America, Canari, Inca, Mapuche, Muisca, Tupi, Asia, Ancient Near East, Sumerian, Mesopotamia, Abrahamic religions, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Tai-Kadai people, Europe, Classical Antiquity, Medieval Europe, Irish, Welsh, Norse, Modern era folklore, Finnish, Oceania, Polynesia and Hawaii) God found that man’s intentions were continually evil all the time. Sin had left its indelible mark and scar on creation and man in particular. But, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Instead of God lowering the standard that He called His creation to… he started over, applied prevenient grace and yes, He judged.
And nearly all the world shares the story. Oh that we would remember that God is a loving heavenly Father, but also a judge.
How am I appropriating the grace of God in my life? Is it leading me closer and closer to His standard of 1) loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength? 2) Am I loving my neighbor as myself?
God, as this day begins, thank that yesterday was so productive and fruitful. You fill my life with good things. Yes, its also work and ministry and joy and sadness. But, its also good because I have God-honoring purpose, Your abiding presence in my life, companions, and family. So with gratitude I enter this day with expectations of more good. Use me to love others in Your name.
