Noah: Trusting what he couldn't see: faith or foolishness?

 

NOAH: Why did you build the ark?

                                                             

                                                         

“What are you doing, Noah?”

“I’m building an ark for my family and all kinds of animals and plants. While God and I were walking, he warned me he’s going to send a flood to destroy the earth.”

“Your God is cruel. Why does he want to kill us?”

 “He’s righteous, and he hates the violence which is corrupting society. No one listens to him.  And haven't you seen the wild parties, extravagant weddings and feasts? They might be fun at the time, but the glamor soon wears off. Those party goers are only interested in a good time at everyone else’s expense, and they have also forgotten how God watches them. Greed and violence are consuming this earth, and so, I’m building this ark to save my family from destruction.”

For days, weeks and years, Noah cut timber, constructed the ark, covered it with a roof, fitted the interior with three decks for animals, and carved an entrance on its side.

             According to an eminent Bible scholar, Noah lived five hundred miles (over eight hundred kilometers) from the nearest body of water. But Noah believed God would send the flood, and he acted on his faith. His life was a powerful witness to his obedience to his Creator, but no-one apart from his family believed him. Did he feel like giving up? Did his neighbors laugh at him, or call him an idiot? They kept on living as they had always done. For as long as Noah was building the ark, he was God’s witness. People could have believed with him that God was providing shelter from the flood.

         If twenty-first Christians had the courage to call a public radio station to warn everyone Jesus is coming back to earth for his church, and to destroy evil and reign in righteousness, there’d be massive ridicule. Common opinion believes since Jesus lived two thousand years ago, it’s a bit late to care about him: isn’t the resurrection a myth, and the Bible folklore? Why believe antiquated notions, or unseen entities? And yet, as in Noah’s day, our world reels with increasing violence. Life goes on without God, heedless of countless warnings by gospel preachers or accurately fulfilled biblical prophecies. Noah could have ignored the warning and relied on pervading public opinion. Ark construction was complex and time consuming, and there wasn’t any rain in sight. Why did Noah prefer to obey God and risk his own reputation? Like Enoch, he knew his God because he walked with him and trusted him. God can also be our friend.

   God counted Noah’s faith as a sign of his righteousness. After he and his family had guided animals to safety, God shut the door, and Noah waited for the flood, his future secure. Although wind and rain would toss and rock the ark, God would protect all the ark dwellers.

 Do you feel like you're bracing yourself against an onslaught? Who will protect and support you? Are you safe with Jesus or on your own? Inside God's ark, his family endures many storms, but the ark doesn't fall apart. 

           Without Jesus, you're heading for a shipwreck.

    And will you spend eternity with Jesus Christ or in hell? Before Jesus comes again, will you accept the gospel? Read John 3:16. We have broken God’s commandments by telling lies, stealing, selfishness, or envy. God could have destroyed the world and replaced us with perfect, obedient people. Instead, he has provided an escape from his wrath. Jesus came to rescue us from our sin, and if we repent, he will protect us from eternal judgement. He is our Ark, our salvation, constant friend and protector. While some follow Jesus, many scorn him and the salvation he freely gives. One day, God will shut salvation’s door, closing it behind him forever and guarding the entrance. Let him in to your life today. Read 2 Corinthians 6:2.

   After the rain ended, God brought the Ark to rest on the mountains of Ararat. When the water had receded, God released Noah and his family from the Ark and set the rainbow in the sky, promising he would never again flood the entire earth. God has kept his promise to Noah and to us.

    Being a Christian means joy and safety, but also suffering, or even persecution. The enemy will toss us. We endure rough seasons, stormy relationships, and attacks on our faith, but when we cling to God’s promises and pray, he guides us to safety in this life and for eternity. Noah was perceived as a religious nut, but his relationship with God meant his life was spared.

   If you’re undecided about Christianity, or your faith is under attack, think about Noah. Through him, God spared the entire human race, and he is our ancestor. You never know how your decision to follow Jesus will benefit you, change the world, and bring God the glory until you take that step of faith. Trust him today.