Patriarchs and Prophets chapter 8
"It often seemed to the family within the ark that they must perish, as for five long months their boat was tossed about, apparently at the mercy of wind and wave." (PP 105). Even they, who have been protected by God, had wavering faith during the midst of hardship.
"Noah did no forget Him by whose gracious car they had been preserved. His first act after leaving the ark was to build an altar and offer from every kind of clean beast and fowl a sacrifice...This offering was pleasing to the Lord; and a blessing resulted, not only to the patriarch and his family, but to all who should live upon the earth...Here was a lesson for all succeeding generations. Noah had come forth upon a desolate earth, but before preparing a house for himself he built an altar to God." (PP 105). What was the significance of Noah's offering? What do you think was going on in the eyes of God? Why did the sacrifice also protect all of us on earth that we wouldn't be flooded again? This is worth a study. "His mercy and love towards us should be gratefully acknowledged, both by acts of devotion and by gifts to His cause." (PP 105). Does this piece give us any clues?
I basically highlighted the entire page 106. It goes over the promise of God, the rainbow. that "when He looks upon the bow, He will remember His covenant. This does not imply He would ever forget; but he speaks to us in our own language that we may better understand Him.". Why also do you think God chose a rainbow to represent the promise? What is the deeper meaning behind this promise? "It was God's purpose that as the children of after generations should ask the meaning of the glorious arch which spans the heavens, their parents should repeat the story of the Flood. and tell them that the Most High had bended the bow and placed it in the clouds as an assurance that the waters should never again overflow the earth. Thus from generation to generation it would testify of divine love to man and would strengthen his confidence in God." The entire topic of the flood deserves a study. Extra resources about this from the chapter: Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 4: 2, 3
"Noah looked upon the powerful beasts of prey...he feared that his family, numbering only 8 persons, would be destroyed by them. But the Lord sent an angel to His servant with the assuring message:
"The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast
of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that
moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into
your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth
shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you
all things."
"God had given man no permission to eat animal food; he intended that the race should subsist wholly upon the productions of the earth; but now that every green thing had been destroyed, He allowed them to eat the flesh of the clean beasts that had been preserved in the ark." (PP 107). Just as it says that in the beginning it was not so. God never meant for us to eat animals, but as the world has fallen, He has accommodated to us.
The changes in the Earth:
"The entire surface of the earth was changed at the Flood. A third dreadful curse rested upon it in consequence of sin...Everywhere strew the dead bodies of men...therefore He made of the earth a vast burial ground. A violent wind which was caused to blow for the purpose of drying upon the waters, moved them with great force, in some instances even carrying away the tops of mountains and heaping upon trees, rocks, and earth above the bodies of the dead....the silver and gold, the choice wood and precious stones, which had enriched and adorned the world before the Flood, and which the inhabitants had idolized, were concealed from the sight and search of men, the violent action of the waters piling earth and rocks upon these treasures, and in some cases even forming mountains above them." (PP 107).
"The treasures that should have led them to glorify the bountiful Giver had been worshiped, while God had been dishonored and despised." (PP 107).
"The earth presented an appearance of confusion and desolation impossible to describe. The mountains, once so beautiful in their perfect symmetry, had become broken and irregular. Stones, ledges, and ragged rocks were now scattered upon the surface of the earth...Where once had been earth's richest treasures of gold, silver, and precious stones, were seen the heaviest marks of the curse. And upon countries that were not inhabited, and those where there had been the least crime, the curse rested more lightly." (PP 108). I also want to study this to see if this is actually true.. lets bring this up to Hero.
"At this time immense forests were buried. These have since been changed to coal, forming the extensive coal beds that now exist, and also yielding large quantities of oil...Thus rocks are heated, limestone is burned, and iron ore melted. The action of the water upon the lime adds fury to the intense heat and causes earthquakes, volcanoes, and fiery issues...The air is hot and suffocating. Volcanic eruptions follow; and these often failing to give sufficient vent to the heated elements." (PP 108). After the flood, the earth became violent. It makes sense because why would God predetermine where the raw ores and oil would be placed if He wanted peace and blessing? It wouldn't make sense for a God of love to purposely place violence in the earth at creation. The flood itself meant that the entire earth was disposed of Sin and was going to erupt if sin itself wasn't repented. Because it wasn't the build up kept going, God could only hold it back for so long before He was pushed away.
"These wonderful manifestations will be more and more frequent and terrible just before the second coming of Christ and the end of the world, as signs of its speedy destruction." (PP 108). Like in the previous log, just like the days of Noah, so will the last days be..
"Since the Flood, fire as well as water has been God's agent to destroy very wicked cities...those who lightly regard God's law and trample upon His authority may be led to tremble before His power and to confess His just sovereignty. As men have beheld burning mountains pouring forth fire and flames and torrents of melted ore, drying up rivers, overwhelming populous cities, and everywhere spreading ruin and desolation, the stoutest heart has been filled with terror and infidels and blasphemers have been constrained to acknowledge the infinite power of God." (PP 109). Not gonna lie, this sounds very violent. Do you think the way Ellen writes her books is the same concept of the mirror? I don't think she herself believed in a God of torment. I know she didn't because she mentions at the beginning of the book about the Father of Love.
Isaiah 64:1-3
"More terrible manifestations than the world has ever yet beheld, will be witnessed at the second advent of Christ." (PP 109). Thinking of how people are concerned about the changing environment, I have noticed that out weather patterns have also begun to be more violent and polarized. As the jet streams continue to have bigger dips from the north pole, the more extreme the weather patterns are.
Today was fellowship Friday, my friend was able to go with me and I was glad, he seemed to really get along with my other friend. Tomorrow is the Christmas party at 5 pm, I hope it's fun!