Biblical Date: Pre 2500BC
Despite the beauty of God’s creation and the possibility of a lasting fellowship for Adam and Eve’s progeny with God, even outside the Garden of Eden, sin prevailed to the point of wickedness. God was so offended that he regretted creating mankind saying, “I will wipe humankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth – everything from humankind to animals, including creatures that move on the ground and birds of the air, for I regret that I have made them”. (Genesis 6:7)
But Noah, a Godly man, found favour with God and He relented. So, God told Noah to build a wooden three-deck, 450 foot long Ark for his family and himself, and to place in the Ark a male and female of every kind of animal, from cattle to birds and creepy insects, as well as food to sustain them.
Noah did as God told him and after seven days they entered the Ark whereupon, it rained for forty days and nights flooding the earth and destroying every living creature not protected by the Ark.
When the flood receded, Noah led the animals and living creatures out of the Ark to increase and multiply on the earth. He also built an altar and offered thanks to God.
God then made a covenant with the people saying, “Never again will I put the earth under a curse because of what the people do”. (Genesis 8:21) (Genesis 6-9)
Thought
Sadly, even a fresh start didn’t restore what God had created in the Garden of Eden nor did people change their ways and today, we continue to choose evil, commit sin!
Reflection
Almighty Father, you so loved the world that you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ. You love me more than I can ever repay, I praise your Holy Name. Amen
Prayer: Beatitudes
Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Happy are they who hunger and thirst for righteous sake, they shall be satisfied.
Happy are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Happy are the clean of heart for they shall see God.
Happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Happy are they who suffer persecution for justice’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
Top Questions:
Is there historical evidence of a worldwide flood?
No, and given the earth’s geology, mountains and valleys, there isn’t enough water to fully submerge all parts of the world at any given time.
How can Noah’s Flood be explained?
There is evidence that many great local floods happened over thousands of years. They were probably linked to earthquakes and other natural disasters and could have been the basis behind the story of Noah’s Flood.
Would the Ark have been big enough to hold all living species?
No, not humanly possible. Earth has an estimated 3-30 million animal species; approximately 85,000 are vertebrates. Getting a pair of each to the Ark and feeding them for 40 days would have been humanly undoable!
What is the message in the story of Noah’s Ark?
God deplores sin. God is merciful. God calls all to live in holiness with Him.
