Genesis 6:9-9:17

Noah’s Ark is one of the foundational Bible stories that we learn as children. If you have some time, I invite you to re-read the story and explore the familiar narrative with adult eyes and ears. As you might recall, God is displeased with the wicked ways of humanity and determines that it is necessary to start over. So, God plans to flood the earth so that much of creation will be destroyed. The only exceptions will be Noah and his family, as well as 2 of every animal on earth. God gives Noah the instructions for how to build this massive ship to accommodate this crew. Noah obeys God and God does flood the earth. Yes, it rains for 40 days and nights, but we also read that Noah is on the boat for over a year as they wait for the waters to subside. Finally, Noah is able to release all the animals and step back out on solid ground. God then promises to never again destroy the earth in a flood and makes a covenant with Noah and his descendants. There is also a great reminder that we are all created in God’s image. There are great themes and symbols in this story: the dove, the rainbow, the olive branch, obedience, and God’s faithfulness.

Can you imagine being stuck on a boat with all your family and all these animals for over a year?

Is there something difficult that God is asking you to do or a place where God is asking you to step out in faith? What obstacles are in your way? How might God be providing for you in that challenge?

How do you express your gratitude to God when He has brought you through a difficult situation?

Prayer

Holy God, we thank You for Your love and care for us. Thank You for creating us in Your image and guiding us in how we should treat one another. We are grateful for Your promises and steadfast love. May we express our gratitude this day in how we treat all of Your creation.

Amen.