Day By Day By Grace

Bob Hoekstra

October 25, 2008

Noah Building an Ark, by Faith

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)

At times, the Lord asks His people to engage in assignments that seem
to make no sense at all. Perhaps, it is a task that we have never
undertaken. Perhaps, it is preparation for a problem that we have never
encountered previously. One of the most profound examples from such
categories was Noah building an ark, by faith. His example is profound
both in the circumstances that he faced, as well as the extent of the
impact of his faithful response.

The extreme wickedness of humanity was the setting. "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). A worldwide flood would be man's deserved judgment. "So the LORD
said, 'I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the
earth...I Myself am bringing the flood of waters on the earth' "
(Genesis 6:7, 17). Noah was an upright man who lived in close
fellowship with the Lord. He would be graciously delivered. "But Noah
found grace in the eyes of the LORD.... Noah was a just man, perfect in
his generations. Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:8-9).

To build an ark for a monumental flood must have appeared absurd in a
world that had never experienced such a phenomenon. Nonetheless, Noah
fully accepted this divine admonishment, even though he had never
witnessed what God was warning about. "By faith Noah, being divinely
warned of things not yet seen...prepared an ark." His faithful
obedience was motivated by holy respect for the Lord and for all of His
pronouncements: "moved with godly fear."

The consequences of his labor of faith were far-reaching. His own
family was saved: "prepared an ark for the saving of his household." By
Noah's godly trust, the rest of the world was condemned for their
ungodliness and unbelief: "by which he condemned the world." Noah
himself became numbered among those who illustrate that the Lord's
righteousness is received by trusting Him: "and became heir of the
righteousness which is according to faith." Additionally, he became a
reminder of being ready for the return of the Lord. "But as the days of
Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew
24:37).

Dear Lord, please teach me to respond in faith, as Noah did, whenever
You call me to a perplexing assignment. Also, as impending judgment
awaits the growing worldwide ungodliness, help me to proclaim Christ as
the present ark of rescue, while eagerly anticipating His return, Amen.