Let’s talk about Noah and boat building! You know I like boats. So the text for today and the fact that a boat figures prominently into Noah’s story (see Genesis 5:32-9:29), make that story of special interest.
When the story of Noah is retold, there is often an emphasis on the part about the animals going into the boat – two by two or seven by seven. Admittedly, that is a pretty cool situation for the animals and for preserving animal life through the cataclysmic deluge. Additionally, the part of the story where God makes a promise to save humans from destruction by water and seals the promise with a rainbow – that is awesome! To this day, we are reminded of that promise whenever we see a rainbow.
However, what stands out to me right now is the part of Noah’s story highlighted in the Book of Hebrews:
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. (Hebrews 11:7)
Noah built a boat because he was afraid for the wellbeing of his family. God warned Noah about what was coming in the near future. Noah’s reaction was fear. Noah’s response was boat building. Noah’s reward was life – life for himself and for his family. Ultimately, Noah’s belief and his exercise of faith saved the lives of his family and, by extension, the life of humanity on planet earth.
I can say, with certainty, that another cataclysmic event is on the horizon. The signs of the times show that we are very close to the end of the age of sin and suffering. God will soon usher in the age of goodness and peace. My prayer is that my boat building efforts are sufficient for the safety of my family.
I love you all. May we all enter the age of goodness and peace together!