What lessons can we learn from God's response to the earth's corruption? God’s All-Seeing Gaze “Then God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways.” (Genesis 6:12) What God Saw and Still Sees • God’s examination is personal and precise—He “looked,” not merely glanced. • Nothing escapes Him (Psalm 139:1-4). • His assessment is always true; human opinion cannot overturn His verdict (Romans 3:4). The Scope of the Problem • “All living creatures…had corrupted their ways.” • Evil was not isolated; it was systemic (Genesis 6:5). • Corruption begins in the heart, spills into society, and finally pollutes creation itself (Romans 8:20-22). Holy Grief and Righteous Anger • God’s sorrow (Genesis 6:6) shows His relational heart: sin wounds Him. • His anger is pure, measured, and purposeful, never reckless (Nahum 1:2-3). • He acts to protect what is good and to halt what is destructive. Judgment Is Real and Certain • The flood declares that divine justice is not theoretical (Genesis 6:17). • Peter links Noah’s day to a future, final judgment (2 Peter 3:5-7). • The wages of sin remain death (Romans 6:23). Grace in the Midst of Ruin • “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8) • Even when judgment looms, God extends rescue to the faithful (Hebrews 11:7). • The ark foreshadows Christ, our ultimate refuge (1 Peter 3:20-22). Practical Takeaways for Today • Stay alert: wide-spread corruption does not excuse personal compromise (Philippians 2:15). • Walk blamelessly like Noah—obedience amidst opposition (Genesis 6:9). • Proclaim warning and hope; Noah was a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). • Value creation; sin defiles the earth, but believers practice stewardship (Genesis 1:28; Revelation 11:18). • Live with eternity in view; Christ likened the last days to Noah’s (Matthew 24:37-39). Looking Beyond the Deluge • God remembers His covenants (Genesis 9:13-15). • The rainbow points forward to the cross, where mercy and justice meet (Colossians 1:20). • A new heavens and new earth are promised, “in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). |
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