Genesis 6:5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
Today’s verses are not filled with good news. “[T]he thoughts of the human heart [were] only evil all the time,” “The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth,” and “his heart was deeply troubled” show that humanity had hit rock bottom in what seems like a very short span of time. With the flood, He intends to wipe out everything and start over. That’s a lot.
Genesis 6:6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.
But even in this troubling time there is reason for hope. Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (v8). He didn’t *earn* favor. It was God’s gift to him. And because we know the story, we know the promise of the rainbow–that God will not wipe out humanity again. That is reason to hope.
Genesis 6: 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”
Precious Savior, Thank You for reasons to hope. Sometimes life seems dark, people are disappointing and selfish and self-serving, hope is in short supply. But You are always a reason for hope–Your love, Your grace, Your mercy. Thank You. Amen.
Genesis 6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Have a blessed day.