Read: Genesis 5:28 – 6:13

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. Hebrews 3:1

An inner city minister Joseph Alexander captured the concept of God’s mercy and wrath in a poem. The first stanza he wrote says…There is a time—we know not when, a point—we know not where, That marks the destiny of men to glory or despair; There is a line, by us unseen, that crosses ev’ry path, The hidden boundary between God’s patience and His wrath.  

The scriptures also reveal that even though God is merciful and longsuffering to humankind ‘not willing that any should perish’, there is a boundary between His patience and His wrath. The majority of humanity had crossed the line. 

The world population during Noah’s lifetime had become wicked, and every imagination of the heart of humankind was only evil continually. Our reading says that the activities of man grieved God at His heart. The scriptures reveal giants and men of renown who loved violence and earthly pleasure.  

In contrast, Noah was a man who walked with God and abhorred evil. God decided to destroy man from the face of the earth. He planned to save Noah and his sons and start over with a clean world. He would send a worldwide flood to accomplish His purpose. Noah had not crossed the line so received mercy.  

The writer of the poem we reference above finishes his thoughts in the last stanza by saying… How far may we go on in sin? how long will God forbear? Where does hope end, and where begin the confines of despair? An answer from the skies is sent, “Ye that from God depart,  While it is called “today” repent, and harden not your heart.”    

~Harold R Troyer