Beginning With Moses
& the Prophets
& the Prophets
A Category 10 Hurricane
- The Deluge
- The Deluge
Genesis 6:8 - 7:24
An opening prayer from
Deuteronomy 32:1-3 - Give ear, O heavens,
and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching
drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the
tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the
LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!
Deuteronomy 32:1-3 - Give ear, O heavens,
and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching
drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the
tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the
LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!
Introduction
Assessing the pre-flood world should astound us. In
thinking of the genocides committed in the 20th century alone and in the early
days of this century is small potatoes when making a comparison with the pre-flood
culture. I don’t believe that anything we hear or see depicted can
compare to the violence, the evil of then. When every intention of the thoughts
of man’s heart was only evil continually.
thinking of the genocides committed in the 20th century alone and in the early
days of this century is small potatoes when making a comparison with the pre-flood
culture. I don’t believe that anything we hear or see depicted can
compare to the violence, the evil of then. When every intention of the thoughts
of man’s heart was only evil continually.
True that every aspect of our personalities is tainted with
sin, (Rom. 9: 9-18) - But not every ‘intention of the thoughts of every woman
& man’s heart is “continually only on evil”; for now at least.
sin, (Rom. 9: 9-18) - But not every ‘intention of the thoughts of every woman
& man’s heart is “continually only on evil”; for now at least.
Imagine how terrible it was in primeval history, during
the pre-flood age, that culture had undergone a thorough demonization.
the pre-flood age, that culture had undergone a thorough demonization.
Violence - It had become so bad
that the creator who had said that everything was ‘good’ & then ‘very good’
decided to wipe the world clean of every living thing, eradicate humanity off
the face of the earth.
that the creator who had said that everything was ‘good’ & then ‘very good’
decided to wipe the world clean of every living thing, eradicate humanity off
the face of the earth.
But there was grace for the Lord God found favor in His
eyes for the man Noah, (v8), and there ends the second generation in this
section of the generations.
eyes for the man Noah, (v8), and there ends the second generation in this
section of the generations.
From 6:9 to the end of chapter 9 we have the longest
section of Genesis, it recounts the flood of judgment and serves as the
centerpiece of primeval history. Its a bridge between the shadowy past before
the flood & the era of the fathers following the deluge.
section of Genesis, it recounts the flood of judgment and serves as the
centerpiece of primeval history. Its a bridge between the shadowy past before
the flood & the era of the fathers following the deluge.
It is an important key in understanding ourselves today;
how one, a soul is saved from destruction & taught in the ‘doctrine of
salvation.
how one, a soul is saved from destruction & taught in the ‘doctrine of
salvation.
We see what kind of man noah was - before the flood he
was exemplary, but after the deluge his behavior was what many in the church
today would say a disappointment. The story ends in a rather low note, lower
than it’s beginning - the sin of his son Ham foretells the normal setting into
which Abraham was born & eventually life; sort of explains life.
was exemplary, but after the deluge his behavior was what many in the church
today would say a disappointment. The story ends in a rather low note, lower
than it’s beginning - the sin of his son Ham foretells the normal setting into
which Abraham was born & eventually life; sort of explains life.
The story of the flood is in two parts, two halves; First
is the beginning and the 150 day rise of the flood; Second half gives the 150
days receding of the flood - a de-creation followed by a re-creation, sort of.
is the beginning and the 150 day rise of the flood; Second half gives the 150
days receding of the flood - a de-creation followed by a re-creation, sort of.
Adam & Noah
There’s a parallel between Adam & Noah; between
Adam’s world & Noah’s world - Kenneth Matthews writes that Noah is depicted
as “Adam revived; both walked with God,” though Adam in the cool of the day;
“both received promissory blessing; both caretakers of lower creatures; both
fathered three sons; both worked the soil; both sinned through a fruit of a
tree; both father a wicked son who is under a curse.”
Adam’s world & Noah’s world - Kenneth Matthews writes that Noah is depicted
as “Adam revived; both walked with God,” though Adam in the cool of the day;
“both received promissory blessing; both caretakers of lower creatures; both
fathered three sons; both worked the soil; both sinned through a fruit of a
tree; both father a wicked son who is under a curse.”
Noah & Moses
Moses may have seen parallels, as he wrote this account
of Genesis & the account of Exodus, between his life and Noah’s. The word
‘ark’ in Genesis referencing Noah’s ship is used only in one other place in the
Old Testament, (Exodus 2:3-5) when it is translated as “basket” -
of Genesis & the account of Exodus, between his life and Noah’s. The word
‘ark’ in Genesis referencing Noah’s ship is used only in one other place in the
Old Testament, (Exodus 2:3-5) when it is translated as “basket” -
A pitched covered
ark/basket preserved Moses; a pitched covered “ark” preserved Noah & his
family from watery death.
ark/basket preserved Moses; a pitched covered “ark” preserved Noah & his
family from watery death.
Moses went up against Pharaoh, he witnessed God’s
judgment by water when God unleashed His judgment with the waters of the Red
Sea destroying the armies of Pharaoh, (Ex. 14:26-31).
judgment by water when God unleashed His judgment with the waters of the Red
Sea destroying the armies of Pharaoh, (Ex. 14:26-31).
This all would be an encapsulation of the deliverance of
Noah, & likewise preserve a people to serve God.
Noah, & likewise preserve a people to serve God.
Moses is given explicit
instructions on building the Tabernacle as Noah was given detailed instructions
for the building of the Ark; down to the specification as to ‘clean &
unclean’ animals.
instructions on building the Tabernacle as Noah was given detailed instructions
for the building of the Ark; down to the specification as to ‘clean &
unclean’ animals.
The parallels also
suggest Moses saw a comparison between salvation in the Ark of Noah during
forty days & nights & the salvation in the presence of the tabernacle
in the wilderness.
suggest Moses saw a comparison between salvation in the Ark of Noah during
forty days & nights & the salvation in the presence of the tabernacle
in the wilderness.
The way the story is
structured, with the parallels, attention should then be paid to the message.
But, let’s understand that the message isn’t the flood - Even though it’s a
pretty gripping account in Scripture.
structured, with the parallels, attention should then be paid to the message.
But, let’s understand that the message isn’t the flood - Even though it’s a
pretty gripping account in Scripture.
Nor is it of judgment,
though important considering it describing the eradication of all human life -
Still, the story focuses on Noah as the kind of man who is saved out of a lost
world. The message is SALVATION. We learn WHY God saved Noah.
though important considering it describing the eradication of all human life -
Still, the story focuses on Noah as the kind of man who is saved out of a lost
world. The message is SALVATION. We learn WHY God saved Noah.
Noah & Mankind (vv
9-12)
9-12)
Righteous
Noah
Noah
Kent Hughes writes that
Moses gives a description of Noah as a “fully dimensional man of God.”
Moses gives a description of Noah as a “fully dimensional man of God.”
He was righteous not
because he was perfect, but only because he believed God. We will see later in
Genesis 15:6 that Abram believed God and that was counted to him as
righteousness. So it’s made clear that his, [Noah’s] righteousness came by
faith, by believing, (Hebrews 11:7).
because he was perfect, but only because he believed God. We will see later in
Genesis 15:6 that Abram believed God and that was counted to him as
righteousness. So it’s made clear that his, [Noah’s] righteousness came by
faith, by believing, (Hebrews 11:7).
Recall Jesus’ words to
Thomas & the disciples, . . . blessed are those who have not seen
& yet believe. (John 20:29).
Thomas & the disciples, . . . blessed are those who have not seen
& yet believe. (John 20:29).
The first mention of
‘righteousness’ in the Bible is here in (6:9). That sets the standard that it
comes by faith; the doctrine of imputed, assigned, or given, righteousness,
began before the flood. He believed, God made him righteous.
‘righteousness’ in the Bible is here in (6:9). That sets the standard that it
comes by faith; the doctrine of imputed, assigned, or given, righteousness,
began before the flood. He believed, God made him righteous.
Those who believe Jesus
died, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven & sits at the right hand of
the Father, are made righteous.
died, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven & sits at the right hand of
the Father, are made righteous.
All this is made more
explicit in the Old Testament texts, and in the New Testament they come to full
bloom. In the inserts I have listed the text references.
explicit in the Old Testament texts, and in the New Testament they come to full
bloom. In the inserts I have listed the text references.
No one could point an
accusing finger at him or even allude to any wrongdoing. Noah’s life, his
conduct was truly transparent. He wasn’t by any means whatsoever sinless; as a
descendant of Adam, just like you and I and all mankind, inherit the sin nature
that entered through the one man Adam; but because
of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those
who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in
life through the one man Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17).
accusing finger at him or even allude to any wrongdoing. Noah’s life, his
conduct was truly transparent. He wasn’t by any means whatsoever sinless; as a
descendant of Adam, just like you and I and all mankind, inherit the sin nature
that entered through the one man Adam; but because
of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those
who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in
life through the one man Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17).
But as
for Noah, then, he was blameless, made righteous. One man out of all the people
in the world 1651 years after the creation was completed.
for Noah, then, he was blameless, made righteous. One man out of all the people
in the world 1651 years after the creation was completed.
Just as
Enoch, Noah walked with God; these two being the only two patriarchs’s to
experience the intimacy & obedience that pre-fallen Adam & Eve knew
when God walked with them in the garden in the cool of the day. Noah was a
complete man of God. He found favor (grace), in the eyes of God, (v8).
Enoch, Noah walked with God; these two being the only two patriarchs’s to
experience the intimacy & obedience that pre-fallen Adam & Eve knew
when God walked with them in the garden in the cool of the day. Noah was a
complete man of God. He found favor (grace), in the eyes of God, (v8).
In
complete contrast, Moses describes the world as “corrupt, corrupted, &
filled with violence.” Topped off, to the brim.
complete contrast, Moses describes the world as “corrupt, corrupted, &
filled with violence.” Topped off, to the brim.
But
surrounded by all this corruption & violence & debauchery, righteous
Noah stood his ground. He was really walking tall, more so than Buford Pusser,
and more so.
surrounded by all this corruption & violence & debauchery, righteous
Noah stood his ground. He was really walking tall, more so than Buford Pusser,
and more so.
Peter
reveals that he was a preacher, a herald of righteousness, (2 Peter 2:5).
Nothing is recorded in Genesis what he preached; whether impassioned or
measured it more than likely not have been received well at all in a
violent ridden pre-flood culture.
reveals that he was a preacher, a herald of righteousness, (2 Peter 2:5).
Nothing is recorded in Genesis what he preached; whether impassioned or
measured it more than likely not have been received well at all in a
violent ridden pre-flood culture.
Noah
would not have survived if God would not have, as Peter writes, “preserved Noah
. . . along with seven others,
would not have survived if God would not have, as Peter writes, “preserved Noah
. . . along with seven others,
(2
Peter 2:5).
Peter 2:5).
Is
there any difference today? Absolutely not. Paul wrote that the cross is
foolishness to the unsaved. Some may not say it to your face, but they do say
among themselves.
there any difference today? Absolutely not. Paul wrote that the cross is
foolishness to the unsaved. Some may not say it to your face, but they do say
among themselves.
I
wonder at times that if a preacher is not criticized or mocked, if he then is
truly preaching the good news of Christ.
wonder at times that if a preacher is not criticized or mocked, if he then is
truly preaching the good news of Christ.
Franklin
Graham has received his share, and even uninvited to public occasions. Billy was
not exempt either, though not publicly but privately. If you read his biography
you will see that Jaquiline Kennedy did not care for him at all but had to had
her tongue because he came invited by Jack Kennedy.
Graham has received his share, and even uninvited to public occasions. Billy was
not exempt either, though not publicly but privately. If you read his biography
you will see that Jaquiline Kennedy did not care for him at all but had to had
her tongue because he came invited by Jack Kennedy.
The Ark of salvation
God now
speaks to Noah, framing His instructions for the Ark with the declaration of
total & complete judgment,
speaks to Noah, framing His instructions for the Ark with the declaration of
total & complete judgment,
(vv
13-17).
13-17).
I won’t
go into detail on the Ark, other than to say it was big. A football field and a
half in length, 150 yards, 75 feet in height, and 45 feet wide. You’ll find the
specifics in 9: 1-17.
go into detail on the Ark, other than to say it was big. A football field and a
half in length, 150 yards, 75 feet in height, and 45 feet wide. You’ll find the
specifics in 9: 1-17.
You can
be sure that, even as today, people then were probably making fun of this crazy
dude preaching about some storm and building a boat. Go out and start talking
about the last days and the coming judgment. I dare ya. I double dare ya. Brush
up on the current world events and all the actors in play. You are going to get
a lot of strange looks and comments. Especially from preachers.
be sure that, even as today, people then were probably making fun of this crazy
dude preaching about some storm and building a boat. Go out and start talking
about the last days and the coming judgment. I dare ya. I double dare ya. Brush
up on the current world events and all the actors in play. You are going to get
a lot of strange looks and comments. Especially from preachers.
The Covenant of Salvation
Noah
had the bare word of God, God’s promise -
had the bare word of God, God’s promise -
(vv 18-21).
There more than likely more was said to Noah than what is briefly written in
this message; Noah, nonetheless, went into the Ark knowing that he wasn’t just
going to be a survivor but the “bearer of God’s promise for a new age.” This
specifics are spelled out, unfolded after the fold in 9: 1-17.
There more than likely more was said to Noah than what is briefly written in
this message; Noah, nonetheless, went into the Ark knowing that he wasn’t just
going to be a survivor but the “bearer of God’s promise for a new age.” This
specifics are spelled out, unfolded after the fold in 9: 1-17.
The
promise of God’s word is what sustains His people - Do you realize that we have
an advantage with no equal? We have the vast body of the word of God! Holy
Scripture! They are all YES in Christ, (2 Corinthians 1:20) - all the
promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we
utter our Amen to God for his glory.
promise of God’s word is what sustains His people - Do you realize that we have
an advantage with no equal? We have the vast body of the word of God! Holy
Scripture! They are all YES in Christ, (2 Corinthians 1:20) - all the
promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we
utter our Amen to God for his glory.
Every
single promise, every single promise is fulfilled in Him - So then the question
- How much greater should our obedience be? Equal to or greater than Noah’s -
rhetorical.
single promise, every single promise is fulfilled in Him - So then the question
- How much greater should our obedience be? Equal to or greater than Noah’s -
rhetorical.
Obedience of Salvation
Noah
was given two things by God - detailed blueprints for the Ark & the promise
of salvation, covenant.
was given two things by God - detailed blueprints for the Ark & the promise
of salvation, covenant.
We need
to latch on to one thing, a very brief statement which puts the topping on
God’s speech: (6:22) - Noah did all that God had commanded him, so he
did.
to latch on to one thing, a very brief statement which puts the topping on
God’s speech: (6:22) - Noah did all that God had commanded him, so he
did.
Repeated
words, statements in the Bible is what conveys the author’s message. We read
again in 7:5, 9, 16 - . . . as God had commanded.
words, statements in the Bible is what conveys the author’s message. We read
again in 7:5, 9, 16 - . . . as God had commanded.
The
refrain of obedience represented Noah’s life - A man who knew who God was, knew
who he himself was & obeyed God’s word.
refrain of obedience represented Noah’s life - A man who knew who God was, knew
who he himself was & obeyed God’s word.
This is
what it means to be righteous. That person rests everything on the bare word of
God & obeys it.
what it means to be righteous. That person rests everything on the bare word of
God & obeys it.
We get
a peek at what it is to walk with God & it isn’t an easy lazy stroll in the
park; It is to go the same way in the same direction in obedience.
a peek at what it is to walk with God & it isn’t an easy lazy stroll in the
park; It is to go the same way in the same direction in obedience.
The
Deluge; A category 10, or Worse Hurricane?
Deluge; A category 10, or Worse Hurricane?
7: 1-4
are God’s final instructions to Noah, just seven days prior to the flood -
Going on to verse 16 is a review and reiterates what God had said.
are God’s final instructions to Noah, just seven days prior to the flood -
Going on to verse 16 is a review and reiterates what God had said.
Now the
taking aboard of the seven pairs of clean animals antici[ates noah offering
sacrifices at the end of the voyage & the sacrificial system that would
develop after the flood.
taking aboard of the seven pairs of clean animals antici[ates noah offering
sacrifices at the end of the voyage & the sacrificial system that would
develop after the flood.
Seven
days then God shut Noah & his family in the Ark & locked it. - How? Who
knows? It says the Lord did it.
days then God shut Noah & his family in the Ark & locked it. - How? Who
knows? It says the Lord did it.
The universal Deluge, Flood - Let’s call it a category 10+
Hurricane.
Hurricane.
The
language we read is of a violent, whirling, maelstrom. - violent winds, thunder
lightning, whirlpool? The atmosphere was changing, the atmospheric conditions
we have today are the same, only for us it is isolated, then it was world wide.
language we read is of a violent, whirling, maelstrom. - violent winds, thunder
lightning, whirlpool? The atmosphere was changing, the atmospheric conditions
we have today are the same, only for us it is isolated, then it was world wide.
The
picture we have is described as, all the fountains of the great deep
burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. (7: 11). We
are described a great rending of the beds of the seas, (we know that there are
underground rivers under the oceans), and torrential rains for forty days
& nights.
picture we have is described as, all the fountains of the great deep
burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. (7: 11). We
are described a great rending of the beds of the seas, (we know that there are
underground rivers under the oceans), and torrential rains for forty days
& nights.
There
is a massive de-creation, going back to chaos - forty days & nights of raging
floods over the vast continents, unleashing total destruction. It was a
supernatural storm and only the Ark survived.
is a massive de-creation, going back to chaos - forty days & nights of raging
floods over the vast continents, unleashing total destruction. It was a
supernatural storm and only the Ark survived.
Universal Death
Other
than Noah & his family there were no other survivors - total death. Now,
Noah preached for over a hundred years? He warned mankind while preparing the
Ark, (1 Peter 3:20)- when the patience of
God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in
which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.
than Noah & his family there were no other survivors - total death. Now,
Noah preached for over a hundred years? He warned mankind while preparing the
Ark, (1 Peter 3:20)- when the patience of
God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in
which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.
Today through the
cross, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has provided an ark of salvation for the
coming judgment.
cross, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has provided an ark of salvation for the
coming judgment.
Jesus has explicitly
warned of coming judgment, & also have His apostles & prophets -
(Matthew 24:36-44 & 2 Peter) - I urge you to read these passages.
warned of coming judgment, & also have His apostles & prophets -
(Matthew 24:36-44 & 2 Peter) - I urge you to read these passages.
Only those who enter
the Ark through His redeeming blood will be saved. This is & has been the
message in these last days - for the past 1987 years by our calender - Why so
long and He has not come? Scripture answers Scripture, Peter’s second letter he
writes to the believers, . . . Know this first of all, that in the last
days mockers will come with their mocking, . . . saying, “Where is the promise
of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it
was from the beginning of creation. . . by His word the present heavens and
earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction
of ungodly men. . . . he Lord is not slow about His promise as some count
slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all
to come to repentance. (vv. 3,4,7,9).
the Ark through His redeeming blood will be saved. This is & has been the
message in these last days - for the past 1987 years by our calender - Why so
long and He has not come? Scripture answers Scripture, Peter’s second letter he
writes to the believers, . . . Know this first of all, that in the last
days mockers will come with their mocking, . . . saying, “Where is the promise
of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it
was from the beginning of creation. . . by His word the present heavens and
earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction
of ungodly men. . . . he Lord is not slow about His promise as some count
slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all
to come to repentance. (vv. 3,4,7,9).
Was it a local or
universal flood? Scripture presents the flood as universal, a cataclysm world
wide - (I have listed in the insert the text references for you.) -
universal flood? Scripture presents the flood as universal, a cataclysm world
wide - (I have listed in the insert the text references for you.) -
This is how the
writers of the Old & New Testament understood the flood & the church;
at least until the 19th century. I believe that it should be read as the
writers of Scripture, including Moses penned and read it. The text isn’t
concerned with a discourse on geography, meteorology nor paleontology.
writers of the Old & New Testament understood the flood & the church;
at least until the 19th century. I believe that it should be read as the
writers of Scripture, including Moses penned and read it. The text isn’t
concerned with a discourse on geography, meteorology nor paleontology.
The main, the
principal concern is to demonstrate what kind of woman or man is saved from
judgment - Noah provides the answer, by faith says the writer of
Hebrews, (11:7a).
principal concern is to demonstrate what kind of woman or man is saved from
judgment - Noah provides the answer, by faith says the writer of
Hebrews, (11:7a).
Noah being warned by
God of coming destruction, & called to build and ark, he “believed &
became certain of what he didn’t see - a horrible mountain of water engulfing
the earth & the ark riding high on the water. Visible certitude in his mind
with a future certitude he became sure of what he hoped for, (Heb. 11:1a). That
is the promise of salvation for him & his family - Noah believed God -
God of coming destruction, & called to build and ark, he “believed &
became certain of what he didn’t see - a horrible mountain of water engulfing
the earth & the ark riding high on the water. Visible certitude in his mind
with a future certitude he became sure of what he hoped for, (Heb. 11:1a). That
is the promise of salvation for him & his family - Noah believed God -
Let me close with a
question. Do you believe the Lord God? Listen, not in the Lord
God but do you believe the words that are breath out of His mouth?
question. Do you believe the Lord God? Listen, not in the Lord
God but do you believe the words that are breath out of His mouth?
Do you believe what He
says to you? Not to someone else about you, but to you?
says to you? Not to someone else about you, but to you?
When Jesus was asked
by Peter about John, in John 21:20-23, Jesus replied to Peter telling him, to
paraphrase, ‘it isn’t his concern, “You, follow me!”
by Peter about John, in John 21:20-23, Jesus replied to Peter telling him, to
paraphrase, ‘it isn’t his concern, “You, follow me!”
You will know that you
know when the Lord God calls you, when He is talking to you. He does not talk
to a person through another. He will give understanding, and you will know
without a doubt when you are hearing the truth. When He calls you, will you
obey?
know when the Lord God calls you, when He is talking to you. He does not talk
to a person through another. He will give understanding, and you will know
without a doubt when you are hearing the truth. When He calls you, will you
obey?
If you are not saved,
if you are not sure which means that you are not, but now in your heart you
sense that tug, because He has put eternity in the hearts of mankind, that
yearning to look for Him, to come to Him for salvation.
if you are not sure which means that you are not, but now in your heart you
sense that tug, because He has put eternity in the hearts of mankind, that
yearning to look for Him, to come to Him for salvation.
Will you obey? Do you
have your ears open to listen and hear from the Lord God?
have your ears open to listen and hear from the Lord God?
Let
us pray, -- Heavenly Father inspire
our hearts to seek You in Your Word daily. Grow us both individually and
together, as we seek the peace of Your presence. Help us to walk faithfully and
fiercely after our Lord & Savior Christ Jesus, reflecting His love. We pray
in Jesus’ holy name. Amen
us pray, -- Heavenly Father inspire
our hearts to seek You in Your Word daily. Grow us both individually and
together, as we seek the peace of Your presence. Help us to walk faithfully and
fiercely after our Lord & Savior Christ Jesus, reflecting His love. We pray
in Jesus’ holy name. Amen
