Genesis 6:5-8,7:1-5,10
Psalm 28(29):1-4,9-10
Mark 8:14-21
EVERY CHOICE INFLUENCES THE FUTURE OUTCOME
Following the initial murder of Abel by his brother Cain, human wickedness escalated, prompting God to contemplate a cataclysmic flood for Earth. The narrative of Noah’s Ark is significant, encapsulating themes of faith, resilience, and divine promise. Noah emerged as a righteous figure who garnered God’s favor. He was entrusted with an immense responsibility: constructing an ark of substantial dimensions and assembling various animal species as mandated by God, in preparation for the repopulation of the Earth post-flood.
This account serves as a profound lesson; it poses questions regarding our approach to formidable tasks assigned by God. Are we inclined to rely on our capabilities, or do we seek divine support? Do we experience anxiety when confronted with monumental responsibilities? Do we seek to chase after personal desires first and treat the will of God as less important? Do we look for qualities like wisdom and courage in our lives? What are your fears? Do we feel nervous when faced with significant tasks? Are we more focused on our own wants and needs, sometimes putting aside what we believe is truly important?
If you find yourself tasked with a divine mission yet uncertain of the steps to take, consider imploring God for guidance. Request the wisdom and direction reminiscent of what was granted to Noah for the fulfillment of his monumental undertaking.
In the relevant section of the Gospel, as presented in Mark 8:14-21, Jesus cautions against the ‘yeast’ of the Pharisees and Herod—symbolizing hypocrisy. This metaphor illustrates how sin, once permitted to thrive within us, can proliferate and, in the absence of repentance and divine wisdom, may ultimately lead to our downfall.
Jesus refers to the pre-flood society as oblivious to divine warnings, engaging in daily activities until the flood’s onset, as indicated in Luke 17:26-27. Their ignorance culminated in an unanticipated demise. They likely exhausted all possible means of salvation, yet to no avail. For those not found within Christ—the spiritual Ark—there is a dire implication of eternal loss.
We must reflect on the profound nature of divine judgment When faced with the Almighty’s wrath, who can withstand it? Our present choices and attitudes significantly influence our future outcomes. May we be granted the discernment and fortitude to fulfill our divine assignments effectively. Amen.
Good bless
Fr Joseph Osho
