📅 January 04: Genesis 7-8: The Great Flood & Its Aftermath - A Deeper Exploration of Noah's Story

Join us as we delve into the dramatic and impactful chapters of Genesis 7 and 8, which narrate the story of Noah, the Great Flood, and the subsequent renewal of life on earth. These chapters offer profound insights into themes of divine judgment, obedience, and hope.

:ocean: Genesis 7 - The Arrival of the Flood:

  • Genesis 7 details the arrival of the flood and Noah’s adherence to God’s commands in building the ark. This chapter highlights Noah’s faithfulness and the preservation of life amidst a world overwhelmed by divine judgment.
  • Key Verse:

‘And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.’ - Genesis 7:5

  • This verse encapsulates Noah’s unwavering obedience and trust in God, serving as a powerful example of faith in action, especially under extraordinary circumstances.

:dove: Genesis 8 - The Waters Recede:

  • In Genesis 8, we witness the receding of the floodwaters, Noah’s emergence from the ark, and the beginning of a new chapter for humanity and the earth. This chapter conveys themes of hope, renewal, and the establishment of God’s covenant.
  • Key Verse:

‘Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives.”’ - Genesis 8:15-16

  • This command marks a significant moment of transition and restoration, as Noah and his family are called to step out into a renewed world, symbolizing a fresh start and God’s faithfulness in renewal.

:bulb: Reflective Q&A:

  • :ship: Noah’s Faith in Genesis 7:
    • Question: What does Noah’s obedience in Genesis 7 teach us about faith in action?
    • Answer: Noah’s actions demonstrate the importance of unwavering trust and obedience to God’s instructions, even in the face of uncertainty or unprecedented challenges.
  • :rainbow: Renewal in Genesis 8:
    • Question: How does the aftermath of the flood in Genesis 8 reflect themes of hope and renewal?
    • Answer: The receding waters and the emergence from the ark symbolize new beginnings, showing life’s resilience and God’s commitment to restoration and continuation of His creation.

:thinking: Reflective Thoughts:

  • Reflect on the importance of faith and obedience in challenging times, as exemplified by Noah. How can these lessons apply to your life?
  • Consider the themes of renewal and second chances in your personal journey. Contemplate the significance of the rainbow as a symbol of hope and God’s promises in your spiritual walk.

:speech_balloon: Let’s Discuss:

  • What insights or reflections do you gain from Genesis 7 and 8? Share your thoughts or questions as we explore the enduring lessons from these pivotal chapters in humanity’s story.

:date: See You Tomorrow:

  • Join us tomorrow as we continue our journey through Genesis. Discover the full January reading schedule here.

Join us on this profound journey through Genesis. Dive deeper each day, and let’s grow together in faith and understanding.

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Genesis 7,8
Three chapters of Genesis are devoted to the great judgment in the days of Noah: a destruction of the sin-power of the flesh by water. Noah provided an Ark of Salvation, an ark which was “atoned by pitch” (for the word “pitch” is from the Heb. kafar, signifying covering; atonement). By this means the faithful family was preserved. The signal victory of Yahweh’s power was demonstrated in the flight of the dove (Heb. yonah — thus the “sign of the prophet Jonah,” which later the Lord Yahshua highlighted as the only sign for his generation and which only those of faith saw). The dove was sent from the ark but found no rest and ultimately returned — as Jewry was first exiled from the joy of God’s favour, and yet returned to the Land in these last days. It was sent a second time, and returned with an olive branch — and Israel will ultimately recognise the symbol of peace when confronted with the Prince of Peace. Finally the dove was sent from the ark and found its home, not to return again — as Israel will ultimately find its home, and not seek again the wandering spirit. This grand sign indicates that the time of divine judgment will give way to the happiness of the kingdom, as Noah came forth and Yahweh smelt a “sweet savour” in the joy of the Kingdom. Yahweh spoke five times to Noah (ch. 6:13; 7:1; 8:15; 9:1, 8), and expressed the “grace” and “favour” of the divine will. There was extreme urgency as Yahweh invited Noah into the ark. The Hebrew of ch. 7:1 is in the imperative mood; for the voice of Yahweh came from “within” the Ark, it being the medium of divine salvation. Similarly He has spoken “in Son” (lit. Gr. Heb. 1:1-2). Noah and his family left a world absorbed with its own material wants, leaving homes, property and relations for a situation in which was promised only the sparsest of necessities. He did it because he “believed God.” Thus the record in ch. 7 lists: [1] Further instructions for Noah: vv. 1-6. [2] Noah enters the ark: vv. 7-10. [3] Noah’s log: vv. 11-24. Ch. 8: [1] The flood recedes: vv. 1-5. [2] The raven and the dove: vv. 6-12. [3] The flood over: vv. 13-14. [4] Exit from the ark: vv. 15-19. [5] Noah’s offering: vv. 20-22. The joy of redemption through water, is illustrative of the baptism of the Lord in Jordan; whilst the offering upon the altar (Gen. 8:20), is typical of the Lord’s baptism of blood on Golgotha. Thus through the “water and the blood” the family of the faithful are delivered from the world of evil, revealing judgment against Sin. In fulfilment of the type, the Lord Yahshua was a burnt offering (Jn. 1:29), as were his disciples (Phil. 4:18). The closing verse of Gen. 8 speaks of the implied labour in collaboration with God, which continues even beyond the end of the millennium (cp. Mat. 11:28-30).