The Flood and the Waters of Wrath

The earth no longer resembled the good creation God made. It “was corrupt in God’s sight” and “filled with violence.” As man multiplied, so did his wickedness, “for all flesh had corrupted their way on earth.” God had to intervene.

Turning to Noah, the Lord said, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them.” He then instructed Noah to make a large boat that would float and withstand mighty waters. The boat did not need a sail, a rudder, nor an anchor. It only needed to float: “For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh.”

The story of the great flood emphasizes at least five truths: (1) the flood waters were an act of God’s fierceful wrath poured out on the sin of the earth; (2) the large boat was a way of escaping God’s wrath, but only those who trusted Him would be saved; (3) Noah trusted God; (4) God is powerful and prevails against sin; and (5) God’s word is true.

The first truth is that God judged the sin of the earth. He put an end to all flesh—man and animal. The flood “blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground.” Waters burst from the ground and fell from the sky for forty days and nights until the earth was completely covered. “Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died.” The waters of God’s wrath judged the earth. Sin was punished by death.

Reflections

1. Why was such a great flood necessary? How does this story relate to the garden of Eden and God’s word about sin and death?
2. What does the great flood reveal about God’s nature? How does God feel about sin and what does He do about it?
3. How does this story motivate you to live today? How can it help you make godly decisions in our time?

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