QT 8/4/2025 Gen 7:17–24, Too much leisure is not good for the soul

Genesis 7:17–24 (ESV) —

17 The flood continued forty days on the earth. The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18 The waters prevailed and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters. 19 And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. 20 The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. 21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. 22 Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. 23 He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. 24 And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.

 

NOTE: There is no doubt that there is enough water to cover the earth. Scientists have discovered water equivalent to three times the volume of the current oceans under the crust and in the mantle rock. But, I don't think the mountains were very large prior to the flood, if they existed at all. I think that when the waters from the deep were released (vs 11), the crust (the land) collapsed (no water barrier) upon the mantle breaking up into large pieces that moved around under the waters. And since the surface area would be less, they pushed up against each other, creating mountains. The new connection to the mantle resulted in volcanoes and tsunamis. The lack of the water vapor covering created massive temperature change, causing wind, storms, and extreme climate events. Life became hard in most regions of the earth. Survival would take up most of people's time, unlike during the days of Noah. The fact that Noah could build a football-field-sized boat by himself in 100 years suggested that he had plenty of leisure time.

 

Leisure is good but leisure can lead to sin. Work is good, but frustrating because of sin. Work is a protection of sorts. There needs to be balance. But when work yields too much time to leisure, it is my opinion, that sin increases. That is why it is so important for a person to find volunteer work in retirement, preferably ministry if there are believers.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I use my leisure time?
2. Do I see work as a gift from God or a curse?

 

PRAYER: Father, the western world continues to increase in leisure time, and sin increases. It is interesting that with the increase in leisure, people are actually busier, why? Life becomes hectic with the increase in leisure. Or maybe it is just the cost of the toys to enjoy leisure that increases our need to work to afford these luxuries. I don't know. I do know you created work for our good. Help me to embrace work (taking care of my grandchildren) in my retirement days.