52 Weeks in The Bible Week 1 Day 3

Day 3: Genesis 6-7

Scripture Reading: Genesis 6-7

Devotional Focus: God’s Judgment and Grace

In Genesis 6-7, we encounter the sobering reality of God's judgment on a sinful world, balanced by His profound grace toward Noah and his family. The human race had become deeply corrupt, with “every intention of the thoughts of [man’s] heart only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). God, in His holiness, could not allow this evil to persist indefinitely. His justice demanded action, and so He announced His decision to send a flood to cleanse the earth of its corruption.

However, in the midst of His righteous anger, God remembers Noah, who “found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). Noah is described as a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God (Genesis 6:9). This is a striking reminder that God always preserves a remnant, even in the darkest of times.

God’s instructions to Noah were specific: build an ark to survive the coming flood, and gather two of every living creature to preserve life. Noah obeys without question, demonstrating the kind of faith and obedience that God desires from His people. For 120 years, Noah builds the ark, preparing for the flood, and this act of obedience stands as a testimony to the faithfulness of one man in a corrupt generation.

As the floodwaters begin to rise in Genesis 7, we see God's judgment fully unleashed. But even in the judgment, God’s grace is evident. He shut Noah and his family inside the ark, providing them safety and a new beginning. The floodwaters destroyed the earth, but Noah, his family, and the animals were preserved—an act of divine grace in the midst of judgment.

Reflection:

Genesis 6-7 reminds us that God is just and will not allow sin to go unpunished. Yet, even in His justice, God is merciful. His decision to save Noah and his family is an act of grace, showing that God provides a way of salvation, even when the world is under His judgment. Noah’s faith and obedience to God’s word stand as an example for us today.

In our own lives, we may experience times when God's justice is evident, and we may witness the consequences of sin in the world around us. But we are also reminded of God’s grace and the way He provides a refuge, a means of salvation, in the midst of judgment. Just as Noah found favor in God’s eyes, we find favor in Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate Ark of salvation.

Prayer for the Day:

Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy that are new every morning. In the midst of judgment, You provide a way of salvation. Help me to trust in Your Word and obey, just as Noah did, even when the world around me is falling apart. May I find my refuge in You and be a witness to Your grace and justice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.