It’s high school graduation time. This one is from May. 1977.

Genesis 8

It rained for 40 days and 40 nights but the “water prevailed upon the earth for one hundred and fifty days,” 7:24. Prevailed seems to mean that the water reached its height above the highest mountains. No creature that breathed through its nostrils survived unless they were on the ark. It took another couple months for the water to recede below the mountaintops, (8:4,5). It was 378 days before the land was dry and God told Noah that he and the occupants could leave the ark. That’s a long time.

Oh, the drama

When Noah entered the ark, I assume he had no idea how long he’d be in there. I’m sure he didn’t imagine it would be over a year. Can you imagine the conditions? This is a little twisted, but can you also imagine how much drama there may have been between 8 people, all family members, squeezed together on that ark with hundreds of animals? Husband and wife friction, brotherly rivalry, sister-in-law drama? What a reality show it would have been. Perhaps the drama was short-lived when they came to their senses with one simple fact; they’re ALIVE!

This too shall pass

Chapter 8 ends with the promise of God to never curse the ground again on the account of man and never again destroy every living thing. “God blessed Noah and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”  Lord, remind us that when life is hard, when relationships are strained, and trials hit us hard, that we are ALIVE in You and bound for eternity.  Our troubles are temporary. Your redemption is forever. Fill our hearts with gratitude and praise toward You for the wonderful gift of life in Christ and a future in heaven in your presence. Amen!