When men began to increase in number on the earth…the Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. (Genesis 6:1, 5–6, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Mankind increased in numbers, just what the Lord instructed. “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28, NIV 1984). Just not where He intended. But regrettably, numbers were not the only things that increased. So did wickedness.
Man was the one being subdued. By evil. One act of disobedience had cascaded into habitual rebellion of all that was good and right. So much so that “every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” Every, only and all, oh my! Just let that sink in. No wonder God was grieved and “His heart was filled with pain.” Just like a parent’s heart is pained with a wayward child. Only with much more serious consequences.
“Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years.'” (Genesis 6:3, NIV 1984). Again, just like a parent, “I’ve had just about enough!” But before judgment, before justice demands that He “wipe mankind, whom [He] created, from the face of the earth,” (Genesis 6:7, NIV 1984), ample time (a hundred and twenty years) to repent. God mercy is great, and His patience is long-suffering. But justice will not be put off “forever.” The flood would come, because mankind would not repent. They had become totally depraved.
It is looking like that again. Not quite every, only and all. But, oh my, things are not looking good. And echoes from the past are returning to haunt the present. “Long ago by God’s word the heavens existed, and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” (2 Peter 3:5–7, NIV 1984).
My Advice – But He still desires to extend mercy. “He is patient with [us], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV 1984.” For the “day of judgment and destruction” is only reserved for “ungodly men.” Grace and mercy are still available while God continues to “contend with man.” For “before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:20–21, NIV 1984). Won’t you call on Him?
The Brew Is A Musing 