Christ-Light Connections: The Flood & The Tower of Babel

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The theme this week is God rules the earth and the nations of the earth.

These two stories continue sharing the history of the world from the beginning. As I study the devastation inflicted upon the world, I want to ask the hard question, “Is God good?” As I journey through these stories with my children, I won’t hide from this question. Our world today is full of tragedy and sorrow. I want my children to be prepared when doubt in God’s goodness attacks their hearts.

OT Set 1 3A

The Flood — Genesis 6:1-9:17

Context

In the space between Adam and Noah, we are given a genealogy. The promise of salvation is passed down from father to son. As you read this portion of scripture the phrase, “and then he died,” rings over and over again proclaiming the continued need for a rescuer. In Genesis 5:22, the pattern of death is broken. God takes Enoch. He does not experience death. I’ve always wished that we had more information about this man of faith, but the Bible gives us little. The only other place Enoch is highlighted is in the Heros of Faith chapter, Hebrews 11:22.

After Cain killed Able, we saw the deep infection of sin growing within the heart of the second generation. Now multiple generations have passed and God describes what was once “very good” as “corrupt, wicked, and full of violence.” “Every inclination of the heart was only evil all the time.” Genesis 6:5.

Big Themes

“Sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful and married any of them they chose.” (Genesis 6:2)

At the beginning of the account, God shares with us how his children became corrupt. As I read this verse today, I am struck by how similar our struggles are today compared to ancient times.

Conversation Starters:

• How did the sons of God choose their wives? For what were women valued?
• Discuss important qualities to look for in a spouse and why.
• Do women today struggle because they are valued or not valued for their beauty?

[Mans] days will be 120 years (Genesis 6:3)

The mixed marriages (believer to unbeliever) result in the thorough corruption of humanity. God is grieved that he made man on earth. Yet, instead of issuing an instant judgment, he waits. Our God is fair and just, but he is also a God of patience and love.

Conversation starter:

• How do you see God’s goodness in the waiting period?
• Why was it also good to eventually bring an end to the wickedness?

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. He was righteous and blameless.

Warning: This is not a story about Noah’s obedience. Children’s bibles tend to give the impression that God chose Noah because he was a great guy. Noah was chosen not because he was a moralistic light in the dark, (he wasn’t, see Genesis 9:20-28), but because he had faith (see Hebrews 11:7). Faith is what makes us righteous or right with God. Faith in the Promised Seed is what lead Noah to proclaim God’s message and to build an ark.

Any children’s Bible that focuses primarily on the obedience of any human, other than Jesus of course, is a tool for Pharisees. It can easily give children the impression that God’s main message for them is all about what they should and should not be doing.

Conversation starters:

• Why did God save Noah?
• Why does God save you?

The Rainbow (Genesis 9:13)

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At the end of the flood account, God gives a promise to all creatures on earth. Never again will he destroy all life with floodwaters. The artwork above gives us a fascinating picture of the deeper meaning of these words. Try analyzing all of the symbols with your children. You also can read about it by clicking on the link.

Conversation starters:

• What weapon does a rainbow look like? Why is it hung upside down?
• Whose hand is in the sky and how do you know?
• God no long punishes his children for their sins. How does this picture show that Jesus took our punishment?

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource this week has a broken link. Hopefully, it will be fixed soon.

In the 40 Minutes in the Old Testament Podcast, the content is split over two episodes.

• Episode 13: The Gospel and the flood
• Episode 14: Ravens, doves, rainbows, Law and Gospel

OT Set 1 3B

The Tower of Babel —Genesis 11

Context

The flood is over and God has commanded that people multiply and fill the earth. In the account of the tower of Babel, humanity shows that it has not changed and again rebels against God.

Big Themes

Let us make a name for ourselves (Genesis 11:4)

So far in the Genesis narrative, all names have been given. No character has/made taken their own name. This gives us a glimpse into the motives of their hearts as they disobeyed God’s command to spread out over the earth.

I can’t hide from this preaching of the law. If I am honest about my motivations, I have to admit that there is always present a selfish hope to make a name for myself. I crave the praise and approval of others.

Conversation starter:

• Parents, be brave and talk about your struggles with sin. How do you selfishly try to make a name for yourself? In what ways do you crave praise and approval?
• How do children try to make a name for themselves?
• What name has been given to you by Christ?

Let us go down and confuse their language (Genesis 11:7)

Humanity sins. God acts. From this story, we trace the origins of different languages. My first reaction is to ask God, “Are you sure you know what you are doing?” In my opinion, it is inconvenient to be unable to communicate. Yet, God our Father knows what is best for humanity.

Conversation starters:

• How do we see evidence of the Trinity as God converses with himself?
• What do you think of God’s action? Was it cruel? What do you think would have happened if he did not confuse the languages?

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource provides context and deeper connections.

In the 40 Minutes in the Old Testament Podcast:

• Episode 16: Babel and making a name for yourself

You can also learn more about Peter Bruegel’s art and the reversal of Babel at Pentecost in this article on Bread for Beggars.

Please share any questions, comments, or additional resources in the comment section below.

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In the “Digging Deeper” section you will often find a link to the podcast, 40 Minutes in the Old Testament. This is a running commentary created by a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod pastor and former seminary professor. This commentary:

• consistently points all scripture to Jesus
• is often deep
• is sometimes blunt and sarcastic about the depravity of humanity
• is therefore recommended for adults or for listening to with your children

The Seeds of Faith resource is produced by Concordia Publishing House as a tool for Sunday School teachers to prepare for their lessons. The authors:

• provide Law and Gospel points
• always look for Christ in the story
• provide a ‘Questions Section’; also useful as great discussion starters