Paul and Peter, leaders of the early Christians, looked to the Hebrew Scriptures as one of the main ways God spoke to them. Yet that often meant something different than we hear in modern arguments about the Bible. The apostles focused more on moral values than historical or scientific accuracy. In today’s passages, they showed that they saw the key to the Flood story (and other texts) as “What does it teach us about God and us?”

• Paul, in verses 4-5 of today’s passage, wrote, “Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope.” As we study the Flood story, we ask: what does the story of Noah teach readers about God? As you read the story, watch for ways it portrayed God’s power, grace and encouragement. How can you show those attributes of God in your dealings with other people?
• Genesis 6:6 said our bad choices hurt God: “The Lord regretted making human beings on the earth, and he was heartbroken.” God intended a good world (cf. Genesis 1:31). This archetypal story said God wished to end violence and cruelty, and make the world right. Jesus showed that God’s way of making the world right was not a destructive flood, but to work through people like you. What are some practical ways you can join in God’s mission to restore this broken world to its wholeness at home? At work? In your community and relationships?