Light-bulb moment
Have you ever had those moments when you’re reading the Bible and something just strikes you in a different way? The light-bulb comes on and you think, “Wow! I never thought of it that way.” To be honest, those are some of my favorite moments when reading God’s word. It proves the scriptures true that the Word is living and active. We can read something a dozen times and the thirteenth time “Voila!” – something new pops out at us.
In a recent study of the book of Genesis, the goal was to pay close attention to how the events of Genesis point to Christ. When our study led us to the flood, which is one of the most visited and talked about events of the Bible, suddenly a new thought filled my head.
What if the flood wasn’t a stand-alone event? What if there was a bigger purpose – you know – like a plan? Does it really come as any surprise that God doesn’t simply react out of anger but thinks everything through with precision?
What if the whole event – the method God used – was meant to foreshadow something Christ would do years later?
A Cleansing Through Noah
People had completely fallen away from God. They whole-heartedly dove into sin. Depravity was abundant. There was only one righteous man to be found and that man was Noah. God chose to save the one (along with his family) and destroy the rest. The flood waters came, and God cleansed the world of sinful people. They were wiped out. Through Noah’s line a new population of the world was able to start fresh.
A cleansing through Jesus
The appointed time came for a new type of cleansing. But this time God chose to sacrifice the one and save the sinners. The only one capable enough, righteous enough, and perfect enough to make this sacrifice was His Son. The moment Jesus died on that cross, a new cleanse occurred. This time God wasn’t cleansing the earth of sinful people, He was cleansing the people of their sin.
In the account of Noah – the righteous one got a new start while everyone else perished. The cleanse wasn’t permanent – sin came back and made people dirty again.
In the account of Jesus – the righteous One died and everyone else got a new start. For those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior this cleanse is permanent. Yes, we still sin – but we’re constantly being renewed by the one-time cleansing sacrifice made for us.
Through the events of Noah and the flood and then Jesus’ death on the cross, I see a divinely thought-out plan weaving its way through the old and new testament. I no longer simply see God’s anger at sinful people but, instead, I see His love – His providence – His hand in everything.
I see what we deserve (what God could have done) because of our sin and yet see the blessing of what He chose to do, instead, because of His amazing love for us.
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Love conquers all!