Faithfulness and Blessing

Genesis 9:13-15

I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between
Me and the earth. It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth,
that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant,
which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh;
and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh.

In God’s Creation, the intricate design and interrelatedness showed His love for us.  The earth supported every living thing, but all depended on God.  People were to have dominion over the earth.  

When Adam and Eve followed the voice of God’s enemy in the garden, they forfeited and greatly lost the ability to have dominion over the earth.  Their nature became sinful, and progressively all flesh corrupted their way, to the point that God had to bring a cleansing of the whole world through a flood.

Following the flood, God created the rainbow as a beautiful sign of His faithfulness to us and all creatures, as seen in the scripture at the top.  In His graciousness, God has always given blessings: the rain, the sunshine, the plants etc, whether He is acknowledged or not.

However, the whole account of Noah and the flood was God’s judgement on sin.  Moreso, it was God's mercy and compassion to let the human race begin again with a fresh start, whilst still working toward the fulfilment of His overall plan.  The Lord chose a righteous man at the precise time in His wisdom and understanding, to prevent absolute destruction.

I believe Noah and the flood was a picture of what God would do later through His Son Jesus Christ to save us from eternal punishment.  Noah’s family believed God and obeyed.  Only they were saved in the ark, later coming out to begin a new life before God.  Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection made the way for salvation and every other thing we need.  

Every person can receive this gift by turning from their own way, and accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for their sin.  God will then put His Spirit within them and help them to live obediently in friendship with Him as Father.     

A rich life in every aspect, now and into eternity, can only be realised through such a turn-around and commitment to our Maker.  He will expect some things, but give help in times of trial or hardship, and loves to bless His true children. 

Other Scripture

Genesis 6:9-9:17
Hebrews 11:6