What's Next?

In this week’s message, we look at the ten generations leading up to the flood. In previous weeks, we had looked at the introductions of sin into the world and the first murder in history. Why is this relevant? Because these actions were not the only instances of disobedience to God before the flood – these were simply just the beginning. During this time, people began to profane the name of the Lord and they stopped praying in His name. The people had begun to abandon their beliefs and shift their focus to idols. The human race had become wicked. And because of this, God’s heart had become sad. So He sent the flood.

If we look at the genealogy leading up to the flood, the people we see are living long, abundant lives.  But, while they increased in number, they also increased in wickedness. The flood was not a surprise. It was inevitable. It had been shared for the past four generations. If you look closely at this genealogy, you will see God’s plan of redemption was not a knee jerk reaction to sin. This was carefully thought out. This genealogy is another reminder of God’s mercy. They knew Noah would bring them comfort. Genesis 5:29 even says, “He named him Noah and said, “He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.” It’s clear that God’s mercy extends beyond what you or I can imagine. So when did God start thinking of coming to our rescue? Before the world was ever created.

The NIV Application Commentary Genesis by John H. Walton
The Beast that Crouches at the Door by David Forman
The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God by Lee Strobel
Genesis: A Commentary by Bruce Waltke
Genesis: A Parsha Companion by David Forman
Life Lessons from Genesis: Book of Beginnings by Max Lucado