As many people read the account of the flood, found in Genesis chapters 6 through 9, they focus on the technical details of a huge boat and the nature of the deluge. They wonder how a boat of a given size could be built, by someone who never made one. They puzzle over the number of animals, the need for animal food, and of course, where the animal waste went. There are many seemingly logical questions.

As I reread the passage today, I realized that the message is not in the details of the event, but in the beginning and ending verses. God saw man, now evil in every way, and decided to end humanity in His justice.  After the flood, as Noah sacrificed to Him, God saw man look to Him in worship. Independent of man’s acts, He decided to maintain the earth in His mercy.

In the account, what is more important is that God is revealed to us! It is not the ark, not the animals, not the flood. God is holy and just, but most importantly, merciful. We see ourselves as by nature evil, sinners, and even though redeemed, likely to sin again.  God is shown to be eternal, powerful, inspiring, righteous, just, and forbearing.

As we read the flood account, let us focus on God and His nature, rather than on the story of the ark, its size, the animals, and the water. Let us rejoice that God has granted us a brief moment on earth to enjoy fellowship with each other and to worship Him.