In Genesis we have been reading the account of the flood that wiped out all the descendants of Adam and Eve except Noah, his wife, 3 sons and their wives.  Archaeologists have come across many ancient records of other nations with memories of a massive flood, although these accounts are embellished with lots of fanciful features.

Both Jesus [Luke 17 v.27] and Peter [1 Peter 3 v.20] refer to the flood as an historic fact and as a lesson of God acting as a result of total ungodliness.  The end of Genesis Ch. 7 tells how “the waters prevailed on the earth for 150 days” blotting out all life and covering all the mountains. The next chapter (8) begins in an odd way in most Bibles. We read “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts …. “

It should not be understood as meaning God had forgotten them and suddenly remembered!! We humans sometimes do that! It is a translation of the same Hebrew word as we read 2 days ago in the Psalms, “what is man that you are mindful of him”   [Psa.8v.4]  We read in Malachi last week how God has written a “book of remembrance” [3 v.16], those whom he bears in mind, he is the Creator who sees and knows all things.

.  How utterly wonderful to have the Creator bear you in mind!  Thus when Noah is again on dry land God makes a covenant with him that “never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth” [9 v.9]   The rainbow is the sign to confirm this covenant – and of course the earth was not destroyed, only the people.

The letter to the Hebrews praises Noah for his faith [Ch.11 v.7]. We read, “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household … and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith”  Faith is an active principle that causes you to do things.

Jesus warns us that conditions on earth when he is about to return will be like they were in Noah’s day and Lot’s day, when “they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building” [Luke 17 v.28]  There is nothing wrong with that, but this is what they totally focussed their lives upon!  Then Jesus says, “Remember Lot’s wife!”  Be mindful of what happened to her [Genesis 19 v.26] when she was reluctant to leave that way of life.

Jesus then comments [Luke 17 v.33] “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it”    How do we understand that?  Well, Lot lost all that he had, and so did Noah, he did not seek to preserve that way of life, he put no value on it.  Things which have everlasting value must be in the forefront of our minds –  the way we live our lives will show this..

All our readings this morning provoked much thought, indeed, deep meditation.  Psalm 7 is David’s’ plea for “refuge; save me from my pursuers and deliver me” [v.1]  But he also says, “if there is wrong in my hands … let the enemy … trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust” [v.3,5]. David knew God could see all things!  This included how his mind worked, his real values and priorities in life; this is the reason he was so shattered after his sin with Bathsheba, God would not let him hide his sin..  

    Our thoughts then focused on our Genesis reading and what God “saw”. “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” [6 v.5]  God primarily sees in humans just two different qualities – either good or evil, righteousness or wickedness, love or hate! 

     Ways of living are tending in one or other of two directions, wheat or tares are growing and eventually produce one of 2 kinds of harvest – and what a harvest of godlessness was surrounding Noah!  Is it not the same today!  We are going to be part of a harvest of one kind or another.

     “And God saw the earth, and behold it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way…” [v.12] We know when things are going bad, such as fruit we have bought. We see what can be saved to eat – and throw the bad away.  Noah’s great grandfather Enoch “walked with God” and “God took him” [5 v.24] We are not told how – or where.  If God chooses not to tell us, it is pointless to ask questions.

     This happened just 4 years before Noah was born, the situation had now developed so that many “harsh things that ungodly sinners” had been spoken against Enoch [Jude 14] “loud mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” [v.16]   Rings a bell with today, doesn’t it the result when God is pushed right out of our thinking. 

   “But Noah found favour in the eyes of the LORD” [Gen.6 v.8] God has all seeing “eyes.” Do we, do you, find favour in the eyes of the LORD?  David’s Psalms show he was very conscious of the need for that to be so.  

    Returning to Psalm 7, David writes; “judge me, O LORD …. according to the integrity that is in me … you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God … who saves the upright in heart” [v.8-10]

   May we all be “upright in heart.”