Welcome to the “But first, Bible” daily devotional podcast with Dave Miers.
Today’s readings are from Genesis 6-8 and Matthew 3. Press pause if you haven’t yet read/listened to these passages for your self.
The message of the Bible is good news. But before we can understand the good news we need to understand the bad news. A sober understanding of the bad news actually heightens our appreciation that the good news is truly good news!
From the great heights of the two creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2, we plummet quickly in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve rebel against God’s rule and reign. Sin has entered into the world and there is a downward spiral of death and destruction as things go from bad to worse. Then by Genesis 4 we have the first recorded murder.
Genesis 6, part of today’s reading, pulls no punches in its assessment of the world and the bad news of the human condition.
Look at what God has to say about it in Genesis 6:5: “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (ESV)
This is a situation of total depravity, and it deeply grieves God. Look at verse 6, “And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.” (ESV)
The Creator regrets his creation! God made men and women in his own image, but they have failed to give thanks to their creator and walk in obedience with Him. This is a tragedy.
What will God do about it? Have a look at verse 7, “So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” (ESV)
God will bring judgment upon his rebellious creation. And yet in the next verse we see a glimmer of hope. Verse 8, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” (ESV)
In the next few chapters we see the story of God’s judgment of his creation through the flood, and also God’s salvation of Noah and his family from the flood.
Judgment and Salvation always go hand-in-hand in the Bible. God rightly and justly judges sin and rebellion. And yet God in his mercy and kindness offers salvation from judgement.
Genesis 6-8 shows us the seriousness of sin, but also the willingness of God to spare people from judgement. This is the bad news and good news of the Bible.
The message of Jesus is very good news. Jesus is an even better Ark than the one which God used to save a family. In Jesus ALL who call on his name will be saved from the judgement they deserve. Jesus IS saving multitudes from every tribe, language, people and nation
Two questions for you to ponder today:
- Are you being real with the seriousness of your own sin?
- Have you taken hold of the salvation Jesus offers to you?
Until tomorrow, keep trusting Jesus.