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by Sandy Shaw
On that day specific things begin to happen. It was as if there were gigantic underwater earthquakes. The earth began to break up or cleave open, causing immense tidal waves and flooding. The flood gates of heaven were opened.
We are in Genesis Chapter 7 verses 11,12.
We saw back in Chapter 1 verses 6,7, that there was this water vapour canopy surrounding the earth - protecting it - keeping its climate uniformly mild - and keeping out any dangerous radiation. This water vapour canopy collapsed and the earth was deluged or inundated – it was cataclysmic!
This is the reason why man no longer lived for such a long time. The increasing radiation began to reduce the lifespan, right down to 70.
There is one other place where the "floodgates of heaven" is used - only one. Malachi Chapter 3 verses 6 to 10. The generosity of our giving influences the way Jesus blesses us. That is a principle of GOD. Now these people knew what was meant by the phrase the floodgates of heaven.
Back in Genesis Chapter 7, we read of the hand of God being in control over this family, and God is in full control of the whole situation – verses 13 to 16.
In these verses, there is another underlining of the power of God - and when He says He is going to do something, He does it right on schedule. "And the LORD SHUT HIM IN."
We do not know how - but we do know this - Noah and his family are shut in and sealed, and safe and secure. There is a degree of finality about this - those being saved are cut off from the outside world. They are safe from the physical storm - AND from the wrath and judgement of God. When God shuts the door no man can open it, and when God opens the door, no man can shut it. The door of the ARK - the floodgates of heaven - it applies to both.
Everybody and everything was drowned and wiped out –verses 17 to 23 make that very clear.
There is no description of the horror - just this record of the facts. In the ARK there was that window high up - facing up - not even Noah and his family would see the suffering. God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked.
There are those who say that there was a Flood but it was only localised - and not universal.
In Genesis Chapters 6 to 9 there are some 30 references to the universality of the Flood. It was total - global.
This is when the fossils were fossilised. For an animal or plant to be fossilised - it requires something sudden and dramatic.
Charles Darwin said that the weakness of his theory would be shown by the fossil record. He was right in that. There are fossils of animals giving birth. Now that does not happen over millions of years - that happens in a few moments - and on the day of The Flood animals were giving birth, as this universal upheaval erupted.
If it was localised - if it was only a local Flood - then migration would have been simpler than an ARK. Noah - move to another area - and I will bring the animals to you there in that secret place. The birds would just have flown to a tree further away!
If the Flood was not universal covering the whole earth, then the very promises of God become suspect – 8 verse 21,9 verses 11,15.
Jesus Christ had no problem with the Genesis record. We need to keep remembering that. Jesus never had a problem with this book. Luke Chapter 17 verses 26,27. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be when I return. Violence - corruption - immorality - increasing occult activity - and a few people who are shut in with GOD!
Remain in the Ark - take GOD at His Word - get ready by believing in Jesus and by obeying whatever Jesus asks you to do - no matter how others might regard it as peculiar or old fashioned. We are preparing for the future.
“Gracious heavenly Father, in a day when many are questioning and doubting Your Word, help us to remain loyal and true and faithful. Enable us to see the significance of this passage when many find it hard and challenging. Help us to share its truth graciously, in Jesus Name. Amen.”
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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