The Flood and the God of Power

The story of the great flood has yielded three big truths already. First, God judges sin with death. Second, God also provides an escape. Third, Noah trusted God, was saved, and led others to their salvation. A fourth truth remains. It might be the most obvious: God is all-powerful.

On the second day of creation, God separated the waters above and below the atmosphere, creating a watery canopy that covered the earth. It formed the perfect barrier to the sun’s harmful rays. The water below was used for life on the earth and flowed through streams and underground. For years, God kept the waters separated for the good of mankind—protecting and providing for them.

It was not until the great flood that God unleashed the two waters—the waters below “burst forth” and the “windows of the heavens were opened,” allowing water to fall. The separation ended, and the waters crashed for forty days and nights. Although sin had spread throughout the entire earth, it could not win against God’s power. “The waters prevailed on the earth,” and every living thing on the face of the ground and in the air was put to death.

The power of God prevailed against sin. Violence was widespread and deeply rooted. To man, it seemed like it would have no end and that God’s design was forever lost to the serpent who deceived Eve back in the garden. But this was not true. Nothing withstands God’s power. Nothing stops Him. Nothing overcomes Him. Nothing. He blesses and curses. He keeps life and blots it out. He does as He pleases. God is all-powerful.

Reflections

1. What does this aspect of the story highlight for you? Since God is powerful over all things, what does that mean?
2. How does this change the way you think of God? Do you see Him in a deeper or more special way? Does this truth calm you or shake you?
3. In what ways does God’s power shape your living today? How can it help you live more faithfully like Noah?

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