The Man Who Built an Ark
Today’s Verse:
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. ~Hebrews 11:7
One of the more famous Bible characters is Noah. There is a children’s Bible hymn that starts with: “Who built the ark? Noah, Noah. Who built the ark? Mr. Noah built the ark.” Noah was a real person who is a powerful example of faith. He was a preacher of righteousness and took a stand during his generation against wickedness and sin. Let us see the reason behind the building of the ark and the spotlight on Noah’s faith.
We see Noah’s culture.
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet....” The culture Noah lived in was grossly wicked. The thoughts of the hearts of men was only evil continually. God condemned the world and passed judgment upon it. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God condemned the world to judgment by a flood of epic proportions. He did not tell them when, but He did tell them why and what. Despite a culture going against God, Noah stayed was right in the eyes of the Lord.
We see Noah’s compliance.
“...Moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.” God told Noah to build an ark according to specifications that God gave him. This ark was instrumental in preserving the life of animal species and anyone who joined Noah on it. Noah obeyed God in every detail. He believed that God would send a terrible flood to judge the sinful world. So, Noah constructed an ark for the saving of his family and any others who would join them. Faith requires obedience to the Word of God. Building an ark sounded outlandish and foolish, but Noah believed God and obeyed Him. True faith obeys.
We see Noah’s confidence.
Noah became the heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Noah had faith even though he was alone. Noah had faith even though he was ridiculed. Noah had faith and kept preaching the same message for 100 years. Faith in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation. The ark is a symbol of the cross. No one had ever built an ark before. Noah had faith that the ark would save him and his family from the flood. Faith alone in Christ’s death on the cross saves the sinner and keeps him from facing condemnation in Hell. Noah had steadfast and sustainable faith. By the way, the same ark which was for the saving of his household became the source of judgment against the world that rejected Noah’s message and God’s salvation.
We see Noah’s compensation.
The writer of Hebrews speaks of “the saving of his house.” Faith is rewarded. God is a Rewarder of the faith of those who diligently seek Him. Noah received the Noahic covenant which said that God would not judge the world again by a flood. He and his family were the start of a new world. He was rewarded by being listed as a hero of faith. Faith honors God and God honors faith. Do you have the faith of a Noah? Do you believe God’s Word enough that you remain faithful at your task?
Have a faith-embedded God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Micah 1-4