ODJ: Showing the Way

July 17, 2016 

READ: Genesis 6:1-22; 2 Peter 2:4-5 

I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people. . . . I am sorry I ever made them (Genesis 6:7).

A terrible storm with subsequent avalanches ravaged the Annapurna region of Nepal. The area is a popular one for hikers from around the world, and many were caught out on the mountains, leading to their deaths from the cold or the avalanches. Astonishingly, rescue attempts were hampered as crews were forced to assist new hikers to the area—those who still wanted to challenge the mountains despite the obvious dangers and repeated warnings. The likelihood of more avalanches was great, while high winds and impossible navigation over paths that had simply disappeared made it extremely dangerous.

Noah knew all about warning people of impending danger.

You probably know the story of the great flood and the fact that Noah was found to be righteous in God’s eyes (Genesis 6:9). But the reference in 2 Peter that Noah “warned the world of God’s righteous judgement” shows that he must have been doing something more than just building an ark! (2:5).

It’s clear that Noah was telling the people around him to turn back to God and away from their sin. Peter describes him as a herald—someone telling of God and His right ways to a generation that had been pursuing evil.

Peter used this Genesis account to show how important it was for his own generation to turn back to God. He wanted his readers and listeners to know that God compassionately desires that people turn from their sin and find forgiveness in Him, for His judgement of sin is far more serious than avalanches or storms. Yet many people continue to head down dangerous paths away from God. May we be prepared, as Peter instructed, to lovingly warn others and encourage them to find their rescue in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15).

—Russell Fralick

365-day plan: Matthew 14:13-35