Genesis

The delay gave man time to repent. During this time Noah not only built the Ark but was both a living and vocal herald of the impending destruction as well as the need to repent (II Peter 2:5). It also gave Noah time to physically finish the Ark, gather resources and for the animals to be assembled by God.

Note: Both Jesus and Peter refer to the flood as a historic event (Matthew 24:36-44; Luke 17:26-27). This indicates that it was not a myth but happened exactly as scriptures describe the event.

One implication is that God is patient wanting no one to perish (II Peter 3:9). We work according to God's timeline. He knows His plans for us. Our role is to faithfully carry out His will and not grow faint in doing so. We also learn that God will keep His promise in His time, not ours. We must be ready. Noah gave warning and the signs were there for men to see. Today, God gives us warning through His word. We can see how this world is spinning towards destruction due to the evil all around us. As God clearly states, the end will come when He is ready. Our role is to be prepared now. We will not have the opportunity to repent when our Lord returns nor will we be able to say that we didn't know.

The inclusion of all types of animals would continue the balance of nature after the flood. God was providing for this to happen. Also, clean and unclean animals would provide for the establishment of the sacrificial system He would later put into place.

The flood was a worldwide destruction leading to the death of all life on the land and in the air. Rain alone could not produce such a catastrophic flood in a 40-day period hence the release of subterranean water. The 40-day period ensured that a complete destruction would occur.

Man rejected God's will looking only to his own pleasures and desires (Genesis 6:5). Man had taken a perfect environment and through sin, destroyed it. God, as creator and sustainer of life, chose to keep His promise of a redeemer while also completely destroying and then restoring life. We do not know the exact timespan before the events of the flood but we do know that it was long enough for man to repent. However, man continued to reject God, forcing Him to act.

The implication for us is that we must strive to do God's will. In doing so we serve God as He wishes, avoid catastrophe in our lives and receive the blessings that accompany faithfulness.

Note: All during the period leading up to the flood Noah would have been challenged in His faith. The physical strain of building the Ark while also providing for his family, the spiritual and emotional strain of knowing destruction was coming and having to endure the pressure from doubters and unbelievers around him would be opportunities to disobey. Yet, Noah endured the test and was rewarded for his faithfulness (Hebrews 11:7).

The 40 days of flooding served to remove those that brought about this catastrophe by their disobedience. In like manner, the 40 years of wandering in the desert served to remove from God's people those who had been disobedient to God.

Note: Noah and his family were spared due to their faithfulness. Joshua and Caleb were spared for the same reason. We too will be spared destruction at the return of Jesus if we remain faithful.

God keeps His promises. He promises destruction on those that reject Him and has done so throughout history. Sometimes the destruction comes after a long period and even seems that it will not occur, but God eventually punishes wickedness.

He promises salvation to those that accept Him and live faithfully.

It seems at times that this takes a long period, but God always keeps His promises.

God requires obedience or the sincere effort at obedience. Our role is to strive to live faithfully. When we see that we have not done so, we must immediately repent. God will forgive as we have seen time and time again.