And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Genesis 6:13
What is the most dangerous thing facing us as human beings at the moment? It is likely that many would answer that it is Covid, with its effects not only on health, but on the economies and inhabitants of countries around the world. Others might disagree saying that the real danger is evil leaders, or others saying that the danger is the changes to society and morality. There are so many possible answers, and we should not underestimate any danger, but the Bible’s answer is different.
The main danger to us all is God himself. God created A perfect and good world, and He – as Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the basis of all reality and from which all good and light come. He hates all wickedness, and his judgment is righteous and complete on every evil deed and heart. He can action that judgement at any time.
To the earth and the cosmos this is good news, as Paul said, ‘For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God’ (Romans 8:20-21). All wrong will be done right one day, and the cosmos will be returned to a new and better perfection.
But for us, the cause of the depravity, it’s a different matter. We are on the wrong side of this great battle and naturally in hostility with our perfect and wonderful Creator. The bad and terrible reality for all men and women is that one day God will punish all evil and bring it to an end. It is foolishness to seek to live without our creator, and our behaviour will result in destruction. No one can stand when God says ‘enough’, as he did with Noah’s peers. This should shake us to our core as Christians and non-believers.
So what should we make of this?
The answer is simple for all, whatever our background – we must flee to Jesus. Noah had no way to save himself from the judgment that was to come on him and his family, but God provided an ark, and by faith Noah followed God’s saving plan. God has provided an ark to all of us in Jesus Christ, and by putting our faith in him and throwing ourselves completely at his mercy, he will keep us safe from the judgment that is to come. He will also change us, giving us new hearts that hate sin and give us the ability to call God Abba Father.
At the beginning of another day, let us not play with sin. Let’s realize its seriousness, and let’s run to Jesus confessing it all and asking for forgiveness and the power to change. Hear his voice today ‘I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.’
Steffan Job (Capel y Ffynnon)