Sin increased to the point that it grieved God’s heart. Scripture says that God regretted that He made man in the first place. It got so bad that God decided to rain down judgment. God was going to clear the earth of every living thing. It is a fearful thing to think of God’s long-suffering and mercy wearing thin. And that’s exactly what happened.
Once more, the the light of God’s grace shone through the darkness of sin. Noah found grace in the eyes of God! Frederick Lehman wrote in his hymn The Love of God is Greater Far, “O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure.” The love and grace of God reached down into the depths of sin and found a man in order to give him a plan to escape the coming judgment.
The Lord gave Noah plans to erect an ark, which would keep him and his family during the flood. God didn’t need Noah’s input or opinion concerning the construction of the ark. Noah just needed to believe and build the ark according to plan. Furthermore, if Noah failed to follow the blueprint, he and his family would perish with the rest of the world. Beloved, God doesn’t need our advice or consultation regarding the plan of salvation. Jesus Christ was sent to the world to die for the sins of humanity, and was raised from the dead three days later (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The ark of salvation has already been built! We enter this great salvation through faith in the Son of God, turning from our sins, being baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Pt. 3:18-22). To add to, or take away from this blueprint of salvation will cause you to perish with the world.
Likewise, I’m positive Noah was ridiculed for building an ark. The earth had never experienced any rain, or a flood for that matter. Noah built the ark for nearly one hundred years despite not seeing one drop of rain. The world may mock and say, “where is the sign on His coming?” Beloved, just believe and get in the ark, for His coming will be like a thief in the night, and His judgment will arrive (2 Pt. 3:1-10).