Reading: Genesis 6

Chapters 6-9 are about the great flood. Genesis 4:16 says “Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD”. Cain cuts his relationship with God, disobeys God’s commandments and lives according to his own ideas. Genesis 6 records that, as people multiplied, almost everyone is like Cain. The believers of Seth’s generations also become unfaithful; for example, they marry unbelievers from Cain’s line. The enmity (or the antithesis) between the church and unbelievers is gone; what should be separate is joined. The result: “the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth” (Gen 6:5). God therefore decides to destroy, with a great flood, all flesh in which is the breath of life (6:17). God’s decision is righteous; by His Holy Spirit He had warned the people for a long time, but they would not listen (6:3). Now God comes with His righteous and terrifying judgement.

 

But God is also merciful. He works faith in Noah who, as commanded by God, builds an ark to save his family (Hebrews 11:7). But God’s mercy reaches further: in Genesis 3:15 He had promised the Seed, Jesus Christ, to save sinners. Instead of destroying the whole world, God saves one family and so leaves open the way to Jesus Christ and eternal life for those who believe.

 

Key verse:  “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8).

 

Question: What does this chapter tell you about God?