“. . . Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9, NKJV)
Some may consider the story of Noah and the ark little more than a nice children’s story. It tells about a big boat and lots of animals, and children do enjoy it. But the meaning goes much deeper than that. It’s the story of a man who chose to believe God while most of the world scoffed.
God asked Noah to do something that had never been done before — build an ark and prepare for a massive flood. It is possible, based on Genesis 2:5-6, that up to this time the world had never experienced rain. We do know that men had become very corrupt and violet, something that made God sorry He had ever created mankind.
“Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5, NKJV)
THE IMPACT OF ONE GODLY LIFE
The righteous life of one man, Noah, caught God’s attention. Genesis 6:8 tells us that Noah “found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” One godly man was enough to change God’s mind about the total destruction of mankind. He would provide a way of escape and save Noah and his family from the devastation to come.
“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews 11:7, NKJV)
STARTING TO BUILD
According to Genesis 6, the ark measured 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. A cubit was about 18 inches, so the ark would have measured 450 feet (137 meters) long, 75 feet (23 meters) wide, and 45 feet (13.7 meters) high. This was no small backyard building project, but Noah did not hesitate. He and his sons went to work.
The Bible does not tell us exactly where Noah lived, but it may have been in the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. I’m fairly certain no other vessel of that size or design existed. The construction of this massive boat took about one hundred years. That’s a long time to continue working with no sign of the promised flood. But Noah and his sons just kept doing what needed to be done.
PUBLIC OPINION
The neighbors probably had a good bit to say as this strange structure took form. A modern-day homeowners association would have complained about destroying neighborhood values. But any curiosity seekers who passed by the strange structure may have found themselves listening to Noah preach on God’s coming judgment. Unfortunately, he had no converts. He was just “the crazy guy down the street.” Until the rain started and the water began to rise, that is. Then those same skeptics probably pounded on the door of the ark, begging to come in. But God had shut the door. It was too late.
LIFE LESSONS
The life of Noah provides numerous lessons that should encourage us to guard our integrity even when others around us show little regard for righteousness living.
- Noah trusted God completely.
“Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalm 40:4, NKJV)
- Noah displayed obedience. He followed God’s instructions without deviation and did not allow the opinion of others to deter him.
“And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him.” (Genesis 7:5, NKJV)
- Noah chose righteousness rather than “fitting in” with a wicked culture.
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:12, NKJV)
- Noah did not forget to worship. After the flood, his first act was to build an altar and offer sacrifices to God.
“Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar” (Genesis 8:20).
Many things may challenge our faith and mock our beliefs. However, Noah’s righteous lifestyle demonstrates that it is possible to live a godly life in an ungodly world. Stand firm.
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (II Timothy 3:1-5, NKJV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
