This morning in Genesis we transition from the primeval history of many generations to the focusing in on one pagan family with tentative beginnings that God will work through. From the corruption of humanity will come the hope of God’s calling to Abram.

It was God’s intention after the flood that humanity would multiply and fill the earth. It was man’s intention driven by fear and pride to do the exact opposite – dig in their heels and build up. This Sunday we look at God’s gracious solution to the problem of our own pride in his condescension to and scattering of humanity.

We all fear being naked and exposed and known for our true selves. Noah was literally exposed, and his sons responded in vastly different ways that impacted their futures. So how do we deal with our own nakedness and shame? Where do we find true cover?

God delivers Noah and his family through the flood judgement to establish a new order of fruitfulness and peace, to preserve humanity and creation, and He promises to do the same with a covenant and great sign in the sky.

In one disturbing yet beautiful story, because humanity had corrupted and destroyed God’s world with violence, God destroys the world with a catastrophic flood, but delivers Noah through grace, saving creation and humanity to begin again. Jesus tells us that their story is all of earth’s story and all of us need an ark.