And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. (Genesis 6:3)
The 120 years referenced in Genesis 6:3 did not limit how long men could live. God was telling Noah that he had a countdown. He was allowed to preach righteousness and prepare for judgment for a specific time. God would give him 120 years to prepare his family and the world for the coming flood. Noah, a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5), warned the people for 120 years. Can you imagine? He preached for 120 years about the coming judgment, urging people to turn from their ways. It’s as if God said, “I’m giving you time to change. Listen to Noah!” But sadly, no one did. In Genesis 6, we see a world filled with violence and full of sin and corruption. God looked down and saw humanity's wickedness, which broke His heart. He knew that He could not allow humanity to live in this way.
We may not live in a world where the thought of every person alive is always wicked, but the wickedness that is accepted and celebrated around us continues to increase. It’s as if our culture allows sin to overflow to the extent that its consequences (death) are spilling into our school systems, our campuses, our workplaces, and even many of our homes.
God’s mercy and patience are tremendous, but there comes a point when we are given ample opportunities to repent, and we don't; then judgment must happen. God is not quick to anger; He is quick to show mercy and wants His children to return to Him. But if you choose not to follow Him, there will always be consequences, as He gives us the right to decide for ourselves.
Practical Application
Noah built the ark in response to God’s direction. It was not only something that would save his family but an illustration to the world of what was coming. What “ark” is God asking you to build in your life? It could be a new habit, a ministry, or a relationship discipling someone God has placed in your path. Take steps to start building it today.