Passage, Paragraph, and Prayer

What was going through the minds of those treading water and clinging to floating debris during the Flood? What should we take away from this complete and devastating destruction?Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).Quote Source: Carl J. Lawrenz and John C. Jeske, "A Commentary on Genesis 1–11" (Milwaukee: Northwestern, 2004), 262.

Is your heart something you follow, or something you bend? And if you bend it, in which direction do you bend it?Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Have you ever stopped to think about what those first forty days of the Flood must have been like for Noah and his family? How did they cope with it? And what applications are there for us in our dark days?Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Have you ever received an inheritance? How did it become yours? How long did it last you? In Psalm 119:111, the psalmist tells us that God's word is an inheritance, but one unlike any other.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

The day had arrived. It was time for Noah and his family and the animals that had come to him to board the ark. Noah made sure he had everything and everyone he was supposed to. And the Lord took it upon himself to shut the door behind Noah.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

In Psalm 119:110, the psalmist helps us to be on the lookout for the sinful allurements all around us every day. The devil wants us to see them as exciting opportunities to inject some fun into our lives, but the psalmist helps us to see them as the traps they really are.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Moses names two sources for the floodwaters. In this devotion we look at the second one—the opening of the sluice gates of the heavens. (Sluice gates are sliding gates or other devices for controlling the flow of water.)Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Generally speaking, Americans used to be more religious years ago than they are now. Part of the reason for that may be that modern comforts have led us to forget what the psalmist says in this verse—that our lives are continually at risk.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Moses names two sources for the floodwaters. In this devotion we look at the first one—the rending asunder of the springs of the greet deep.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

The psalmist describes the words that he directs to God as “freewill offerings of [his] mouth.” But it is the words that God directs to us that put the “freewill” in our mouth-offerings and make them pleasing to him.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Moses wanted his audience to know the precise chronological framework of the Flood. The dates that he gives us suggest that, when the rain first began falling, it was expected. Which is precisely why its ultimate disaster was unexpected.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Psalm 119:107 is the sixth verse in which the psalmist has explicitly referred to himself being afflicted. This tells us something about Christians and affliction, and the psalmist also tells us where we find restoration and revival in our affliction.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Did you know that Noah loaded up his family and all the animals into the ark seven days before the Flood came? What were those days and nights like, as they made sure they had everything they were going to need and that everything was prepared? What was their peace in the midst of that stress? What is ours?Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

In Psalm 119:106, the psalmist says he has made and ratified a vow to keep the decrees of God's righteousness. Christians are not always comfortable with religious vows, so this verse gives us the opportunity to talk about them.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

In 1 Peter 3:20–22, the apostle Peter says that the water of the Flood was a type, foreshadowing, symbol, or picture of the water of baptism. What the water of the Flood did for Noah and his family, the water of baptism does for us.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

“Where should I go?” “What should I do?” “What is the right course of action?” These are all questions about where we should step next on life's path, and they are all questions God's word helps us to answer the right way and the best way. NOTE that the main devotion is fairly short, but there is some bonus content on choosing a career, after the usual closing podcast information.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

There are only seven days left before God sends his destruction. Here we see the perseverance of Noah's faith (by God's grace), and here we see the stubborn persistence of the world's unbelief.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

In this episode, we wrap up our meditation on the thirteenth stanza of Psalm 119. The psalmist tells us why God's word is the only path for him, and why it should be the only path for us.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

In Genesis 7:1–3 God modifies his earlier instructions from 6:19–20. This simple modification highlights truths about God's character and about the priority of worship.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Honey tastes good. It makes life more pleasant. The psalmist says God's sayings are even more pleasant to his taste than honey. So do our own tastes need improvement?Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Imagine what kind of ridicule and rejection Noah and his family faced in the 120 years between God's announcement of a flood and the actual flood. There is a parallel between what Noah's family faced and what Jesus said we will face in the days leading up to the ultimate day of destruction.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

The psalmist makes some pretty bold and ambitious resolutions—to keep his feet from every evil path and not to turn aside from God's decrees. In Psalm 119:102, he makes clear the only way this is possible.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

After God spoke to Noah, Noah's perspective changed. He now saw all his usual haunts and acquaintances (besides seven of his family members) as places and people that would be *under water* and completely destroyed. God wants us to have a similar perspective.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

The poet Robert Frost famously talked about two roads diverging in a yellow wood. In Psalm 119:101, the psalmist talks about forks in the road of our life that we encounter every day.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

God gave Noah enormous tasks, and then Noah went to work and did them, just as commanded. How do we do a better job complying with what God has commanded us?Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Psalm 119:100 concludes a string of three verses where the psalmist reflects on the outstanding effects of God's word by listing three groups of people who cannot stand up to its wisdom. In this devotion, we consider how God's word gives us more understanding than our elders, even those recognized for their wisdom.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Even though it might not be very devotional content, at some point when talking about Noah's ark, we have to talk about dinosaurs—both to satisfy human curiosity and to address the criticisms of skeptics.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Psalm 119:99 continues a string of three verses where the psalmist reflects on the outstanding effects of God's word by listing three groups of people who cannot stand up to its wisdom. In this devotion, we consider how God's word gives us more wisdom and insight than our teachers, especially when they do not approach their subjects from a biblical, Christian worldview.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

God commanded Noah to bring pairs of all the land creatures with him on the ark. But to enable him to fulfill that command, God also performed a miracle—which would be essentially the last sign and call to repentance for the rest of humanity.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Psalm 119:98 begins a string of three verses where the psalmist reflects on the outstanding effects of God's word by listing three groups of people who cannot stand up to its wisdom. In this devotion, we compare the wisdom God's word gives to the wisdom of the Church's enemies.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

The Bible doesn't record the history of Noah and his family just because they were the sole survivors of the Flood. There is another, even more important reason that Noah and his family figure prominently in the Scriptures.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

A really good novel or well-written essay can give you food for thought for weeks or even months, but only God's word gives you subject matter you can muse on throughout the day, every day, no matter what else you may be doing.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

The construction assignment God gave Noah put him in a situation where he would have to testify about God's word to his unbelieving neighbors. The commandments we have from God are really no different. We need God's mercy and strength to fulfill them.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

In this devotion, we wrap up the twelfth stanza of Psalm 119 by considering the unexhausted and inexhaustible treasures lying there for everyone, of every age and ability, in God's word.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

How could God say to Noah, “An end to all flesh has occurred to me,” and not include Noah and his family? How could Noah and his family be exempted from ”all flesh”? Perhaps more importantly, how do we exempt ourselves from the destruction that is coming on all flesh on the Last Day?Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

The wicked love to lie in wait for the faithful and to trap them—to trap them doing wrong, or to trap them with questions they can't answer. What is the solution for the faithful?Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

As we read the description of the earth in Genesis 6:9–11, we can't help but ask, “Is this describing life on earth more than 4,000 years ago, or life on earth today?”Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Even though we don't like the idea of belonging to someone else, it's simply a fact that everybody is the property of someone else, to one extent or another. (Think of how often you use “my” or “mine” in relation to those around you.) So when the psalmist says that we belong to God, the question is not whether that is morally right. The question is whether that is to our advantage and what kind of owner God is.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Noah is described as “blameless in his generations,” and that really meant something in his time.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Memorials often urge us never to forget the tragedy or atrocity being memorialized, so that we don't repeat it. The psalmist urges us to follow his lead in resolving never to forget God's precepts for a very different reason.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

Genesis 6:9 begins the third of the ten “accounts” that make up the book of Genesis (2:4ff; 5:1ff; 6:9ff; 10:1ff; 11:10ff; 11:27ff; 25:12ff; 25:19ff; 36:1ff; 37:2ff). The “account of Noah” begins by talking about Noah's righteousness and blamelessness. In this devotion we consider what those two traits entail.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

How are you doing with your affliction? Whether your affliction is a disease, adverse people or circumstances, wrestling with your conscience, wrestling with unhealthy desires, wrestling with the meaning of life, or facing up to the reality of death, are you able to successfully confront and deal with that affliction, or are you perishing in it?Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

In Genesis 6:9 we're told that, in the midst of an increasingly and breathtakingly wicked world, Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generations, and he made his way through life with God. But before we get there, Genesis 6:8 tells us where that righteousness came from—not from Noah, but from the favor of God.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

In the first three verses of the twelfth stanza of Psalm 119 (vv. 89–91), the psalmist praises the Lord's word by going back to its first use, the creation of the universe, and noting how we can still see the effects of that first use to this day. In vs. 91, he also uses this evidence to comment on God's name, the Lord of Hosts.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

The only reason we are able to rage is because we humans were originally created in the image of God, and God is capable of rage too. But his rage is much different from ours.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

In the first three verses of the twelfth stanza of Psalm 119 (vv. 89–91), the psalmist praises the Lord's word by going back to its first use, the creation of the universe, and noting how we can still see the effects of that first use to this day.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

How does God feel about our sins? What do they do to him? Genesis 6:5–6 answers these questions in soul-stirring language.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

In this devotion, we begin looking at the twelfth stanza of Psalm 119. In the first three verses of this stanza (vv. 89–91), the psalmist praises the Lord's word by going back to its first use, the creation of the universe, and noting how we can still see the effects of that first use to this day.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

The Lord says of mankind before the Flood that “every formation of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil all the time.” But before we think that humans were somehow extra corrupt during that time, we need to remember that the Lord says the exact same thing about humans *after* the Flood (Gen. 8:21), when only Noah and his family were on the earth.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

By the time we get to the end of the eleventh stanza of Psalm 119, we're probably left with two impressions: 1) Being a Christian can wear a person out, and 2) the psalmist has nearly superhuman resilience. But the psalmist himself makes it clear in the final verse of this stanza that the resilience he has does not originate with himself.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

When interpreters go astray in interpreting Genesis 6:1–2, they also go astray in identifying the people that Moses calls “the Nephilim.” In this episode, we explore who the Nephilim were and see how they continue to be a cautionary example to us.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).