Genesis: The Beginning
Noah and the Ark 1-10-16
READ: Genesis 6
Yesterday, we read about Cain’s choice that led to Abel’s murder. Today, we will read about the wickedness that led to Noah’s instruction from God to build an ark.
We seldom think about it, but our Scripture today brings it plainly to our attention; it is possible for God’s human creation to break His heart. In the days of Noah, evil behavior is so prevalent the LORD God is sorry He created the human race (vv. 5-6). Humanity, as a whole during this time, prefers sin, corruption, and violence. In other words, humanity becomes a false image of God not the Truth.
As far as people desiring a relationship with a loving God, only Noah and his household is found righteous because Noah walks in close fellowship with God. Noah is not sinless; rather, he simply chooses to humbly walk in obedience and spiritual integrity before God. Restated, Noah remains devoted to pleasing God; recognizing the supremacy of Yahweh and realizing his human need for divine love, mercy, forgiveness, grace and favor—blessing. Noah does not earn God’s protection; rather, grace extends to Noah because he is seeking God and turning from practicing wickedness in spite of what others in the world are doing. Noah’s faith is battered as he faces opposition to God’s revealed Truth that the waters will rise.
Yahweh notices His image in human form throughout the world has gone terribly wrong: When the LORD God looks at His creation He does not recognize anything about Himself nor what He instructed. At that time, Nephilim—mighty men of great stature—misuse their power and God-capacity to rule over creation and instead fill the earth with violence. Therefore, the LORD decides to make a new beginning through Noah. Yahweh will deal appropriately and justly—bring Truth—as humanity chooses to welcome evil and reject Him.
Noah is instructed to build a large boat—about 450’ long, 75’ wide, and 45’ high—a three story boat. It takes a tremendous amount of faith for Noah to obey God and build the ark, because none of this made sense to his natural mind. Specific instructions are given on the materials to use and how to construct the boat. Yahweh tells Noah, “I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals” (6:17-19, 21).
The flood is an image of recreation; the LORD God’s earth that has been defiled by human wrongdoing, is purified by the waters of Truth. Christ, our example, tells us our sinful lives can be washed by the water, cleansing us and causing us to live in our true image.