Podcast Summary: "Don't Miss This Study"

Episode: GOD REMEMBERED

Hosts: Emily Freeman & David Butler
Date: February 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Emily Freeman and David Butler plunge into the well-known story of Noah and the ark (Genesis 6–9), focusing not on the familiar images of animals and floods, but on the deep lessons about God’s character—especially for those who feel overwhelmed or “drowning” in life’s challenges. The central theme: even in the bleakest times, God is merciful, attentive, and always provides hope and refuge. The hosts encourage listeners to move beyond a simplistic or fearful reading of the Old Testament and to see God’s heart through the lens of “cross vision”—the sacrificial, compassionate nature of Jesus Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reading the Old Testament with “Cross Vision”

(Starting at 02:21)

• Many people are intimidated by stories of God’s judgment in the Old Testament, seeing a contrast with the more compassionate Jesus of the New Testament.
• Dave’s Quote:

  “Read the Old Testament through cross vision. That is who he really is and that is who he will always be.” (04:39)

• The hosts stress the importance of considering scripture in context rather than focusing on isolated verses and recognizing that discomfort with passages like the flood actually stems from having a strong sense of God’s goodness.

2. The World Before the Flood: Total Corruption

(08:15)

• The description in Genesis 6:5 reveals radical wickedness—the imagination and creativity of humanity had turned wholly to evil.
• Grace’s Insight:

  “If your entire imagination was wicked, you were creating wicked things… There had to been some level of like, wait, I need to protect this.” (09:00)

• God’s grief is emphasized: His reaction is described not as vengeful but as a “grieving heart” (Genesis 6:6).

3. Wiping Clean: The Purposeful Nature of the Flood

(11:42)

• The Hebrew word translated ‘destroy’ can also mean ‘to wipe clean or wash off,’ as with ink—a much softer, purifying action, not mere destruction.
• Dave’s Quote:

  “If I took that verse out of context, I would just be like, yeah, he’s a battleship, you know? And instead it’s like, oh, I’m trying to wipe something clean.” (11:54)

4. Lessons from the Ark: Rescue, Rest, and Grace

(13:05 and throughout)

a. Noah’s Name: Rest and Comfort

(Genesis 5:29 — 13:14)

• Name “Noah” means rest/comfort; Noah represents God’s gift of respite in times of chaos.

b. Found Grace in God’s Eyes

(Genesis 6:8 — 14:11)

• Grace’s Imagery:

  “In those eyes, even in the midst of a wicked world… Noah looked into the eyes of the Lord, and there he found grace.” (15:59)

c. The Ark: A Place with Room for Everyone

(Genesis 6:14–16 — 16:38)

• Ark was enormous—an image of God’s inclusive refuge and willingness to rescue all, of “every sort.”

• Dave’s Observation:

  “These are not the Titanic lifeboats… It’s gigantic. And when anyone saw the building of this boat… they would have said there is room there for me.” (17:10)

• The “window” (Genesis 6:16) symbolizes hope and continued light even in the midst of the storm. In Hebrew, the word might also mean “shining stone,” possibly a stone glowing in the ark, underscoring God’s presence and light during dark times.

d. The Covenant as the Ark

(Genesis 6:18 — 26:47)

• Entering the ark is equated to entering a covenant relationship with God—one that ensures elevation above life’s “floodwaters.”
• Dave’s Reflection:

  “Living in covenant relationship with me is staying afloat in times of flood… rescued from something hard, from something difficult.” (28:14)

e. Work, then Rest

• Patterns in the story: periods of hard work (building) are followed by necessary rest (sheltering in the ark). Both are from God.

• Grace’s Wisdom:

  “First, I need you to work… Next, I need you to rest. And just because you’re not building the boat doesn’t mean you’re not still obeying God’s commandments.” (31:12)

f. God’s Patience

• God gives humanity time to repent: 120 years are spent building and teaching before the flood, plus an extra seven-day delay before the rain.

g. God Remembered Noah

(Genesis 8:1 — 35:14)

• After 40 days of rain and 150 days afloat, God “remembers” Noah; this marks the beginning of relief and restoration.
• Markers of hope: floodwaters subside, the ark “rests” on the mountains—a pivotal moment of rest after turmoil.
• The Hebrew word for rest is “Noah,” tying back to the central figure and theme.

5. Lessons from the Dove: Waiting, Hope, and Embrace

(Genesis 8:8–12 — 39:24)

• The dove finds “no rest,” so it returns to Noah who “puts forth his hand and pulls her in.”
• Grace’s Emotional Highlight:

  “When there’s no rest to be found, the Father will look at you when you come back, and he will put forth his hand and he will take you, and he will pull you in unto him.” (41:12)

• The process of waiting—for struggles to pass, for hope (olive branch) to appear, for a new journey (dove not returning)—mirrors our experience with God: we return, we’re welcomed, and eventually, we’re led into something better.

6. New Creation and Fresh Starts

(Genesis 8:15–9:17 — 45:09)

• After the flood, God effectively begins a “second creation” with Noah’s family.
• The sign of the covenant is a “bow” (rainbow). Culturally, this is a bow (as in bow and arrow), but pointed away from the earth—a sign not of threat, but protection and forbearance.
• Dave’s Insight:

  “It’s not pointed towards you. It’s just a reminder that God’s saying, I’m for you. I’m not against you.” (48:07)

• The “bow” is also described as a double assurance: not only will God not forget, but He gives a visible reminder for our reassurance.

7. Baptism, Spirit, and Humanity’s Rebirth

(50:39)

• The wind that dries the earth (Genesis 8:1) is the same Hebrew word for “spirit”—implying the flood is a type of baptism and renewal for all humanity.
• Grace’s Connection:

  “Now instantly I thought of baptism: first being covered in water and then receiving the Spirit, almost as if the earth was getting that same experience. A baptism for the earth and a moment for change.” (50:39)

8. Tower of Babel: Grace for Continued Mistakes

(Genesis 11 — 52:37)

• After the flood and new start, humanity quickly reverts to pride (Tower of Babel). Even so, God comes down—not because of human achievement, but because of His own willingness to reach us.
• Grace’s Closing Note:

  “We believe in a God who looks at the situation and says, you had a fresh start and you messed that one up. But don’t worry, I don’t run out of fresh starts.” (54:39)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If it feels contradictory, it means you have a great default… So let's look at a couple of those verses that we're going to show you about this.” — Dave (06:38)
• “God does send floods… but we want to focus on the rescue mission. This is a story about a God who provides an ark.” — Dave (12:18)
• “Hospitality isn't logical. Refuge isn't logical. It's needed.” — Grace (19:47)
• “The ark can become a symbol of what it means to live in covenant relationship with Him.” — Dave (28:14)
• “Maybe you're in a time of building right now… But maybe you're in a time of rest right now… Let yourself recharge.” — Grace (31:44)
• “God gave 120 years… And then chapter seven, verse four says, for yet seven days gets to the end of it and says, okay, seven more days. That sounds like Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, if you ask me.” — Dave (32:55)
• “God remembered Noah. And in case you didn't feel included in that line: and every living thing… In case you thought you weren't included, I'm talking about all.” — Dave (35:19)
• “Your word this week is rest. Whatever it is that you're carrying, a rest is arrest. Comes. It comes. And listen to the Hebrew word of rest, which is Noah.” — Dave (37:11)
• “He will put forth his hand and take her and pull her in unto him. That's the lesson of the dove, that when there is no rest to be found, the Father will look at you… and he will pull you in unto him.” — Grace (41:12)
• “God’s not the problem, He’s the solution… He keeps coming down.” — Dave (54:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:21 – Why the flood is a tough story and how to read it with “cross vision”
• 08:15 – The extent of pre-flood wickedness; God’s motive to protect creation
• 11:42 – The true meaning behind “destroy”: Not vengeance, but cleansing
• 14:11 – The meaning of Noah’s name; comfort in chaos
• 16:38 – The size and inclusivity of the ark; window as a symbol of hope/light
• 26:47 – The ark as a symbol of covenant
• 28:42 – The importance of work and rest in divine timing
• 32:03 – God’s extreme patience before the flood
• 35:19 – “God remembered Noah” – assurance in the midst of trouble
• 39:21 – “Lessons from the Dove”—returning, waiting, and being welcomed
• 45:09 – The new creation and the meaning of the rainbow (“bow”)
• 50:39 – The wind, spirit, and the flood as baptism for the earth
• 52:37 – Tower of Babel—God’s grace after human failure
• 54:39 – God’s fresh starts are endless

Final Reflections

This episode reminds listeners that, beneath the stories of judgment and catastrophe in scripture, lies a persistent message: God is not against us; He is for us. The floods of life are real, but so is the divine rescue. God remembers, restores, and renews—over and over again. “God’s not the problem, He’s the solution… He keeps coming down.” (54:39)

For those feeling “flooded” now:
“Your word this week is rest.” (37:11)

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