Genesis 6:1-22
Reflect
One of the most amazing facts about Genesis is that there is so very much that God leaves open to interpretation. Much of what we have written for us does not have a cute bow (yes, pun intended) on it.
In vv.5-8, we have an excellent example of this. At least two ways this can be read:
1. God is “sorry”. Or truer to the Hebrew, God repents for making man on the earth. As God is perfect, there would be no need for Him to be sorry, as if He lacked the foreknowledge of what would occur with creation. He is outside of time and therefore for Him to grieve of something that He declared to be good is nonsensical. Rather, this text should be understood as God accommodating Himself (anthropomorphism) to our limited grasp of His perfection.
2. God demonstrates grief for what He has done in creating man, who only has evil intentions. This is a painful crisis as God knows the hearts of man and there is nothing worthwhile in the pinnacle of His creation. This causes God to lament what has become of His finest work. Circumstances cause God to experience sorrow and disappointment, perhaps with Himself. God remains committed, though with a hurt caused by betrayal and a lack of foresight.
So, where do you land in this flood of theology? What are the repercussions of what you believe about God? How does this affect your ability to trust Him when the water rises?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.