“The earth was filled with violence. God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.”
Genesis 6:12
Have you read about the days of Noah? Only eight souls were saved by the flood according to First Peter chapter 3, verse twenty. So many people have gone their own way and have lost sight of God. God’s mercy is under His sovereign will, yet many would deny it. Those who are Christians wonder at what is going on when they see corruption, greed, and violence pervading within cities around the world. All flesh has corrupted his way upon the earth and violence has replaced the peace we once had. Yet, the Lord God tells us not to fret when we see the wicked prosper in his way [see Psalms 37:7]. We are to rest in the Lord. We are to cease from anger and forsake wrath, [see Psalms 37:8]. Strong vengeful anger is not to be a part of the Christian character, for vengeance belongs to the Lord God only, [ see Deuteronomy 32:35]. Many seek repayment for the loss they have suffered, but this does not always give the result of peace. Many do not take the word of God as literal or even as an historical event. The importance of recognizing patterns during an event in time is said to help us better read our own current moment that we are living in.
How do you read your own current moment in time? We should study the word more closely to see what it reveals. The moral responsibility of man is where every individual is responsible for their own actions. The sanctity of life is derived from the eternal God who created us in his own image. Even though we are born into a world of injustices, God’s grace will prevail in providing the way, truth, and life. The importance of recognizing negative patterns will help us better read our own current situation. Take the issue of money for instance, it is the second most thing that takes our attention and concern. However, for many it is the first thing that we focus on above our families. It is said to bring meaning to life. But I have noticed that in the Bible the wicked is linked to those who are rich. Just look at Psalms chapter 73.
“They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore, pride compasses them about as a chain; violence covers them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.”
Psalms 73:5-9
Wow! That is a mouthful in what David expressed after he stated that he was foolish and envious of the prosperity of the wicked. Those who are prosperous question “how does God know,” or say, “is there any knowledge in the “Most High God?” The prosperous rave about themself and their own accomplishments. For there is pride in their own heart that they have received power through money. People buy into their greed to obtain their own status within society.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith.”
1 Timothy 6:10Those who seek and covet money have made a mistake, and they are not living in faith. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. [see Romans 1:17].” The Lord knows all that is going on upon the earth. Noah was a just man and perfect when God instructed him to build the ark. Can you imagine the ridicule he received from those around him. God knows that the mystery of iniquity doth already work but will restrain it until the coming of the Lord. As it was in the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Lord. What was going on during the days of Noah? In the days of Noah before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came. The flood took them all away; so, shall also be the coming of the Son of man,” [see Matthew 24:37-39].
Did you know that the name of Noah means “rest”? Rest in the Lord states David in Psalms 37, verse 7. Can you depend fully on God’s provision? Come to Him in prayer and seek his rest for your life. Ask him for patience to endure whatever you are going through. Ask God to intervene on your behalf and trust Him to do it. Look at verse eleven of Psalms 37, which states, “the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” The quiet and humble person will delight themselves in abundance of peace. Peace is freedom from disturbances. Can we hold within our hands the peace of God. Shalom means peace. It is a Jewish greeting. God’s covenant of peace will not be removed. He promises to take care of those who belong to Him. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and the Lord will uphold you in His hand, [see verse 24 of Psalms chapter 37]. Hold your tongue before the wicked like David.
“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue; I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.”
Psalms 39:1
Take heed to your own ways so that you do not sin with your own tongue. Let go of all anger and malice. Bridle and control your mouth and keep your peace. God loves you and He already knows what is going on upon the earth, so you need not worry nor fret.