While reading about the experience of Noah in the Bible, something imprisoned my attention in a captivating way. I had been familiar with the history of the rainbow but benefited greatly from revisiting its origin. Especially after learning that four out of four people I asked associated its significance with the LGBTQ+ community. Considering that it’s been less than sixty years since the rainbow colours (minus one) were chosen as their symbol, I found it strange to see how quickly an entire generation could be unaware of the Genesis account. I must admit that prior to reading Genesis chapters six through nine with a more mature understanding of our Creator’s care and the poisonous nature of sin, I did not see Divine goodness reflected in rainbows. Not only did I realize the need to be reminded of the evidence of God’s presence all around us, but the need to help remind others as well.
A Clue from the Lord Jesus
Speaking in regard to His second return, Jesus provides an important clue: “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.” Matthew 24:37. This seems to suggest at least three important points: Jesus believed that the worldwide flood took place (something many have categorized as a myth), the condition of the people and environment during that time will be similar to those living before the end and we would do well to study life before the flood.
During Noah’s Day
There was a disregard for the knowledge of God. “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5. The heart, like clay in the sun, gradually becomes hardened. It doesn’t happen in a moment. In order for sin to mature within us, its appetite must be fed. In Noah’s day, people grew less interested in valuing the knowledge of God. When goodness and truth is ignored, evil and deception makes a home within the soul. Are we seeing similarities in the world today?
Many were unaware of their period of probation. Like it or not, we each have a limited amount of time and opportunity to develop righteous characters. Revelation 22:11,12 tells of a declaration that will be made regarding this: “Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy (vile, impure), still be filthy; and the one who is righteous (just, upright), still be righteous; and the one who is holy, still be holy.” Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds.”
Some think that we could repent before we take our last breath or before we go too far in sin but I disagree. In fact, repentance is more than admitting a wrong and asking for forgiveness. It requires a change in attitude and affections. This isn’t something we can snap our fingers and create within ourselves. It requires following the leading of the Holy Spirit from one stage to the next and wrestling with some cherished tendencies within. The best time to work towards repentance is always now. In Noah’s day many had become blinded to the obvious signs of a world in decay. Are we seeing any similarities in today?
There was the execution of judgement. I look at judgement as the maturation of consequences. Romans 6:23 says: “…Sin when it is finished leads to death.” What are we without the abiding Spirit of God? Genesis 6 tells of God lamenting that His Spirit will not always walk with humans as a result of the choice to sin. Apart from the Spirit of God, we are like a tangled roll of electrical wires burning ourselves and those who get close enough to touch. We’re like a GPS that has lost its connection to its satellite or a faded roadmap that could hardly be read. Such is the execution of Divine judgement. It’s experiencing the absence of God’s presence. While the ark was being built and the animals were walking onto it, the hearts of those who rejected the invitation was too far removed from truth to will themselves to believe. Genesis 7:21 tells us: “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth, and every man…”
Hope Beyond the Flood
After Noah and his family had been carried through the most traumatic experience of their lives God displayed His compassion towards them and all mankind through the end of the world. “This is the token (visible symbol, memorial) of the [solemn] covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations; I set My rainbow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. It shall come about, when I bring clouds over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the clouds, and I will [compassionately] remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again will the water become a flood to destroy all flesh.” Genesis 9:12-15. The rainbow was given from the hand of God as a sign of His covenant with humanity. It should remind us that: sin will eventually be dealt with, God’s people will be preserved, and His creation will be restored. Let’s revisit this rich history and share with our younger people of the goodness of God displayed in the rainbow and watch for the similarities between Noah’s day and ours. Jesus will return again and He doesn’t want us to be caught off guard.