In our “Kingdom Rebellion” series, we previously explored Genesis Chapter 6, discussing the Nephilim, elohim, and overcoming life’s giants. This week, we’ll delve into the flood narrative, a pivotal event symbolizing a cosmic reset through water.
Genesis 6:8–12 (NIV)
8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. 9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.
The flood in Genesis 6 is a critical moment in His Story. This event occurs in a world overrun by violence and corruption, prompting a divine intervention to cleanse the earth with a flood. This act of cleansing signifies a return to the way things were in Genesis 1:1-2 to rectify the moral degradation of society.
In this account, water is more than a destructive force; it symbolizes a deep cleansing, washing away corruption and setting the stage for a fresh beginning. The flood’s aftermath sees the establishment of a covenant between God and Noah, marking a new phase in the relationship between God and His human family.
Genesis 7:1–5 (NIV)
1The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. 2Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, 3and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth. 4Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.” 5And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.
Within this narrative, the Ark represents a floating Eden, a sanctuary preserving life amidst chaos. It’s a microcosm of divine creation, ensuring the continuity of life post-flood. This vessel secures survival and embodies a sacred space of refuge and divine presence, like the Garden of Eden. The gathering of animals into the Ark reiterates the theme of preservation and the promise of a renewed creation.
This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we’ll dig deeper into the flood story and draw parallels between the Ark and the cross, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
