The story is incredible, faith stirring, and it is horrendous. I am referring to the story in Genesis about Noah and the flood. The people have turned their hearts away from relationship with God so much so that every inclination of their heart is contrary to God’s heart. And he determines that he will wipe all of mankind off the face of the earth with a flood.
I don’t think I can fully imagine what that judgment must have been like. I don’t really want to. But I cannot avoid the reality that God’s judgment, when released, is exacting, holy, right, and awe filled and from my human perspective, horrendous. The flood took everyone. It took everyone, but one family. I am a grace oriented person, mostly because I am a recipient of grace. The idea of judgment bothers me. As I pondered this event it brought tears to my eyes. It began with thoughts about those I know who live outside of relationship with Jesus Christ.
I do believe there will be a coming judgment. I don't like the thought of it. My imagination creates an absolutely horrendous picture of the flood. I wonder if, in this act of judgment, whether God was merciful and wiped people out instantaneously, but that is not the way it plays in my head. In my mind the flood and the terror for those who were being taken by the waters is horrendous. Maybe you can imagine the reaction of people as the waters rose. Did they seek higher ground? Did they swim? Did they try to hold one another? Did they try to convince Noah to let them in and to save them? Did Noah and his family hear? It is almost too much to consider; which is possibly why the Scriptures tell us nothing about those who are deluged in the judgment of God. But the Scriptures do teach us about the man, Noah and the God that saved him.
The Scriptures teach us that Noah found favor with God. Noah lived in such a way that those around him knew he “walked with God.” He had faith. And God spared him. In the midst of God’s all consuming judgment we see the evidence of his wonderful grace floating in a boat. The boat was protecting a man and his family who trusted Him enough to act on what they had been told.
One day again, judgment will come. Never again will it come in the form of a flood, but come it will and as I observe the world turning their hearts away from relationship with God, come it must. And that makes my heart ache, for us and for those who do not know Jesus Christ yet. 2 Peter reminds us:
They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8,9)
He will not wait forever to bring judgment, but thankfully he is patient. He is patient with those who know Him. We have much to do as we learn to live for him and advance his kingdom into our own hearts and into the hearts of many who do not yet know the love of our Lord. I am thankful for the patience of God! "Father, thank you for being a God of patience. Give us the strength and desire to spread the message of your grace and love, the Good News of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to be salt and light!"
Your partner in the gospel,
Pastor Paul
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