Read

Genesis 7

Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.”
Genesis 7:1

Reflect

Today’s scripture is one of the most debated passages in the entire Bible. Did the flood happen, or didn’t it? Is the story of Noah, the animals and the destruction of the world true or false?

(If it is true, it certainly must have been different than the way we learned about it when we were kids, right?)

Scientists will tell you that it’s impossible, and they’ll typically talk about the boat, the space on the boat and the number of animals that Noah would have gathered, as well as the supplies needed. And honestly, they’d have a point but for one thing – faith.

Is the story of the Ark hard to swallow? For people who doubt the existence of God, absolutely. But for people like me who trust completely that He’s not only there, but that He is “large and in charge,” no, it’s not hard to believe.

Think about it – if you believe that God created everything, then how hard is the Flood going to be for Him? And if he designed every animal carefully, don’t you think He can figure out how to fit them on a boat? Of course, if you deny the very existence of God, then you’re not going to place any credence in the story of the Flood anyway.

For me, and for people like me, the story of the Flood is the story of hope. It’s proof that God is there, and that He cares. It shows that even in the worst of times, He has a plan for our future and that He wants a relationship with us. And it shows that He gives us special reminders that He’s always there – like the beauty of the rainbow after a storm.

The hardest part of the story of the Flood – and with any other story in the Bible – is, “What are you going to do with this?” It comes down to you and to me. Will we believe the Word that God has given us and allow it to lead us to even deeper faith, or will we choose to doubt, deny and turn away.

Today, pray that the Lord will use His Word to build and strengthen you. And pray that He might use you to help lead others into that same kind of faith.

Reflection copyright © 2023 Doug DeBolt.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.