Warning!

Read Genesis 6:1–8:22

9. This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.
10. Noah was the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
11. Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence.
12. God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt
13. So God said to Noah, “I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth!
14. Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. . . .”
22. So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Genesis 6:9-14, 22

The end of the world is always near, according to somebody. This person’s placard states that we had better change our ways—or die. That group proclaims that the Lord will return one hundred days after the next presidential election. Each week brings numerous alarms from environmental and nutritional activists or religious and political zealots. Most people stopped listening long ago to the warnings of these “kooks” or “extremists,” as they are labeled.

That’s probably how people responded to Noah. This passage tells the story of the Flood, how Noah and his family built an ark in obedience to God, in response to his warning that the earth would be destroyed. Only a few generations had passed since Adam and Eve, yet Noah was the only righteous person living. The Bible doesn’t state that people mocked Noah, but it certainly shows that no one listened to him or to God. This familiar story pictures God’s mercy and the consequences when people forget (or stop caring) about their Creator.

The story also gives a snapshot of patience (living in an ark for more than a year); doing what is right in the face of criticism and ridicule (“Why would you build an ark now and here?”); and gratitude (for God’s mercy).

Noah got right to work when God told him to build the ark (Genesis 6:22). It seems that other people had been warned about the coming disaster (see 1 Peter 3:20) but, apparently, did not expect it to happen. This is how people today often react to warnings, even warnings from God. Each day, thousands are told of God’s inevitable judgment, yet most don’t really believe it will occur. Don’t expect people to welcome or accept your message of God’s coming judgment on sin. Those who don’t believe in God will scoff at his judgment and try to get you to deny God as well.

As you read this passage, note God’s covenant with Noah to keep him safe and God’s promise to the world. Then determine to do what God tells you to do, despite the opposition, trusting him to bring you through the flood.