The consequence of disobedience was destructive beyond measure. There is a very sad report found in Genesis 6, how, as human beings multiplied, so did their wickedness and depravity.
“The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.”
Genesis 6:5 NLT
Can you imagine: God’s perfect creation, without a single flow as it came out from the Creator’s hand – became so degraded by evil, the wickedness so great, “that every intent of the thoughts of (men’s) heart was only evil continually.” Unthinkable. Depraved. Self destructive. The circumstances screamed for a change. God decided to act. Only the severest measure would be capable to break through the stony hearts, to pierce through the depraved minds, giving us a chance to seek help from the only place where help can be found – from God.
There was only one man at that time who stood out. His name was Noah.
“But Noah found favor with the Lord… Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.”
Genesis 6:8-9 NLT
Noah and his family were the only persons saved from that generation. Eight persons in total. God sent the flood, and everything that breathed – drowned.
““Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood.”
Genesis 6:17-19 NLT
When the flood was finally over and everyone came out from the ark, Noah built an altar and to express his gratitude to God for keeping them safe and alive, he offered sacrifices as an act of devotion and worship. God was pleased.
“And the Lord was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.””
Genesis 8:21-22 NLT
“Then God told Noah and his sons, “I hereby confirm my covenant with you and your descendants, and with all the animals that were on the boat with you—the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals—every living creature on earth. Yes, I am confirming my covenant with you. Never again will floodwaters kill all living creatures; never again will a flood destroy the earth.” Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.””
Genesis 9:8-13, 16 NLT
Please notice the words above: the eternal covenant. To me, those words are saying: God has pledged Himself in the strongest possible terms that He will provide the ongoing care and support for people who will willingly accept it. He will ensure there will be the end to our self inflicted catastrophe, and will restore the universe to its pristine condition.