And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:5-9 (KJV)
No one can imagine the pain and sorrow of the Creator as He surveyed the wickedness on the earth. His creation had hardly noticed the change, but what began in an instant in Eden – an almost imperceptible event – had totally corrupted His creation . . . with one exception.
We cannot imagine the grief and pain suffered by our Creator. When the Creator had reviewed his creative work, He had concluded that it was very good (Gen. 1:31). Yet, his creation had become so wicked that sorrow, grief, and regret filled his heart. Surveying this wickedness, the Creator decided that judgment was needed. The divine sentence? Total destruction; wipe his creation from the face of the earth . . . with one exception.
There was a bright spot in the universe. A righteous man – perfect in this wicked society – walked with God. Given the wickedness that surrounded this just man, God must have cherished their walk . . . without doubt Noah did. And being the just God of a just man, God could not possibly destroy his walking companion along with this wicked society. What was God to do? How was He going to deal with one exception?
Of course, it was no problem for our loving God and Creator. He simply gave his divine favor to Noah. Consider that the Eternal Judge reviewed the case against this wicked earth, but there was one family that was not wicked. And the divine grace of God came between Noah and the divine justice of God. Justice cried for punishment, but grace proclaimed salvation. What an exception!
Dear Father, thank you for your favor that we enjoy through Jesus Christ. Bless us with grace as we walk with you. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s exception,