Genesis 8 | How Long Was The Great Flood?

Jan 17, 2025

God's Timing and the Story of Noah

Introduction

  • Discusses feelings of God taking longer than expected to fulfill promises.
  • Uses the story of Noah and the flood as an example from Genesis.
  • Encourages self-examination and reflection on God's timing.

The Flood Narrative

  • Genesis Chapter 8: Continues the story of Noah after the flood.
  • Duration of the Flood:
    • Rained for 40 days and nights.
    • Floodwaters covered the Earth for 150 days.
  • God's Action:
    • God remembered Noah and sent a wind to recede the waters.
    • Emphasizes God’s power over the entire Earth.

The Timeline

  • Boat Resting Place:
    • The ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat after 150 days.
    • Additional 2 ½ months for other mountain peaks to become visible.
  • Highlights the challenge of understanding God's perfect timing.

Communication with God

  • Reflection on how Noah communicated with God during his time on the ark.
  • Questions:
    • How did they maintain faith during extended periods of waiting?
    • How do we perceive God's timing in our lives?

Noah's Actions Post-Flood

  • Release of Birds:
    • Noah released a raven and a dove to check for dry land.
    • Questions significance of the raven vs. the dove in the biblical narrative.
  • Dove's Return:
    • Brought back an olive leaf, signifying receding waters.

Reflection on Personal Journey

  • Comparison of personal life events to Noah’s story:
    • Example of moving back to Canada and experiencing life changes.
    • Importance of perseverance and faith during uncertain timelines.

The Altar and Sacrifice

  • Building an Altar:
    • Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices, emphasizing gratitude and faith.
    • Discussion on setting aside offerings even in difficult times.
  • Reflection on personal altars and journaling as a means to remember God’s faithfulness.

God's Promise

  • God's Covenant:
    • Promise to never again curse the ground or destroy living things.
    • As long as Earth remains, natural cycles will continue (planting, harvest, seasons).

Faith and Patience

  • Examining personal faith and patience in God's timing.
  • Encouragement to "try again," drawing parallels to Noah sending out birds multiple times.
  • Challenge to trust in God's promises, beyond immediate timing concerns.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to continue trusting in God and trying again, despite delays.
  • Prayer for faithfulness and recognition of God's timing and blessings.

These notes summarize key points from the lecture, focusing on the themes of God's timing, faith, and perseverance as illustrated in the story of Noah. The notes also draw personal reflections and challenges to apply these lessons in everyday life.

Full transcript