Origins: The Beginning (Genesis 1–11)Sample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’” Genesis 9:1 (NKJV)

Genesis 9:1 doesn’t just signal a new chapter in the Bible, it also marks a new chapter in human history. It’s here that mankind begins to recover and rebuild from the devastating effects of the flood.

Imagine for a moment, eight people are all that’s been spared to get the entire world up and running again. I don’t know if you’ve ever considered this, but if this next part doesn’t go right, if somebody suddenly gets sick and dies or something else unforeseen happens, the impact would be catastrophic. What happens in these next few verses is very important as far as the entire human race is concerned!    

As the ark opens and these eight survivors scan their surroundings and allow the enormity of their situation to sink in, notice what God gives them: His blessing. And in the end, that’s really all they needed. With God being for them, not even these incalculable odds could stand against them. The fact that we’re here reading this proves this truth, because our existence is evidence that they multiplied and their descendants once again filled the earth.

What was true for Noah and his family is true for us, as well. God’s blessing is all that really matters at the end of the day. When He is for us, what can be against us? Answer: nothing. The Creator’s blessing always supersedes the obstacles posed by His creation.

It’s important to be reminded of this because we all have those moments where we feel like we’re looking out on an empty earth. The challenge before us seems overwhelming, above and beyond our limited abilities! But if God has called us to that challenge, whatever it is, then He will also provide us with His blessing. And His blessing will straighten every crooked path, level any obstacle, and make all the difference in the end.  

Remember, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37–39 NKJV).

DIG: What command did God give to Noah’s family?

DISCOVER: What did he also give to ensure their success? How does this relate to your life today?

DO: Write down some of the ways God has shown you that He is for you.