When we think of Noah and the Ark, we imagine a coloring book page of a boat (with a happy Noah and happy animals), lots of primary colors and blue skies. However, this is not at all how it would have been. Everything about this event would have been surprising, terrifying and devastating. Most theologians believe this was the first-time rain had ever fallen on the earth. The experience of water coming from the heavens (and bursting forth from the ground) would have been a surprise, to say the least. People never had to seek shelter from rain before that day.
Imagine yourself living during that time. Unstoppable water rushed everywhere. It was terrifying as it consumed everything in its path. Heavy debris and trees crushed and pinned anything and anyone. People screamed for their loved ones as homes and other structures broke apart. As a result, there was no escape, no safe place to go — except the Ark. The giant boat the “crazy” preacher had been building for 120 years. Noah had said it was going to happen.
The water was God’s judgment on the earth because, “The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” (Genesis 6:5) The Ark meant salvation from God’s judgment.
The Ark — Picture of Salvation
Just as the Ark was the means of salvation from the water (for Noah and his family), Jesus Christ is the means of salvation for the sinner (you and me). Noah and his family were saved because they heeded God’s warning and followed His instructions (to prepare a place of refuge). Similarly, by God’s mercy and grace, He has prepared a way of salvation for us; He gives us warning and instruction about it in the Bible. Through Jesus Christ, He has provided a place of refuge for us.
Did you know that the words pitch and atonement are the same word in the Hebrew language? It’s no coincidence. Noah covered the Ark (inside and out) with pitch — it saved the people inside from the judgement of God. The atonement of Christ covers us (inside and out) and also protects us from God’s judgment. Make no mistake, judgment will come. God is patiently waiting for sinners to be saved, just as He waited in the days of Noah.
Are you ready for the day when God’s judgment will be revealed? Where are you going to find refuge?
Thankful for His patience,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor