Gen_9:11
Never again shall the waters of the flood cut off all flesh; never again, shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.
What About Today’s Verse…
The history of the great flood in Genesis is a striking illustration that our God is a God of promises. The cause for the flood was the exceeding sinfulness of man. “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen_6:5). God set forth His plan to deal with this problem by a promise of judgment. “So the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth’ ” (Gen_6:7). Thus, through promise, judgment by floodwaters became a certainty.
Along with a promise of judgment, God made a promise of deliverance, a promise of grace. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Gen_6:8). This grace was available through the promised ark of protection. “But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark” (Gen_6:18). Noah trusted in the Lord’s plans and provision and was thereby preserved from judgment. “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Gen_6:22). Then, the Lord promised Noah (and all humanity) that a judgment of floodwater’s would never again destroy mankind. “Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” Additionally, God established by promise a sign for this covenant. “I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth” (Gen_9:12-13).
These promises concerning the flood (and God’s “ark of salvation”) are a picture of Jesus being our “ark of eternal salvation.” Peter wrote of the flood and the ark: “The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water” (1Pe_3:20). Then, he likened Noah’s rescue through the ark and the floodwater’s to our rescue through Christ and the waters of baptism. “There is also an antitype [a prefiguring] which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1Pe_3:21). When we identified by faith with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (which is the significance of water baptism), Jesus became our “ark of salvation,” whereby we are brought to God (rescued from the judgment due our sins).
Now, every rainbow can remind us of God’s faithfulness to keep His promises of salvation.
Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, I rejoice in You as my ark of safety from judgment for my sins! Please remind me at the sight of every rainbow that You keep all of Your promises of salvation, Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Your Guide For Life Is The Bible
Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.
Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake. The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life.
I treasure your word above all else, it keeps me from sinning against you.
By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded. Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word. Your laws are my greatest joy! I follow their advice. God made great and marvellous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.
If you do what the LORD wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure. The Lord said to me, “I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you, and refresh your life.” You are true to your name, and you will lead me along the right paths. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.”
Long ago the Lord promised by the words of his holy prophets. On us who live in the dark shadow of death this light will shine to guide us into a life of peace. Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
