Noah Constructed an Ark, by Faith
The Ark was Built in Faith, by Noah
"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
Sometimes, our Lord asks His followers to engage in assignments that seem to make no sense at all. Perhaps, it is a problem that we have never undertaken. Perhaps, it is preparation for a problem that we have never come across until now. 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 humankind's deserved punishment. "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, Genesis 6:17. Noah was an righteous 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 global flood must have seemed absurd in a world that had never encountered such a event. Nevertheless, Noah fully accepted this divine warning, even though he had never witnessed what God was forewarning about. "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen...prepared an ark." His faithful compliance was motivated by holy respect for the Lord and for all of His pronouncements: "moved with godly fear."
The sacrifice of his work of faith were widespread. 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).
Prayer: 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.
About the Author
The promises of prayer are tested by faith in God's ability to do. Faith is the one major condition by which God works. Faith is the one major clause by which a person prays. Faith draws on God to its full extent. Faith gives character to prayer. A pathetic faith has always brought forth pathetic praying. Energetic faith creates vigorous praying. Christ asks this pointed question, "When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" How can I pray for you and your family? Please go to my blog at byfaith-enterprises.blogspot.com and leave a comment or prayer request there. Sign-up for the free Prayer Newsletter and also Get your FREE eBook "Where Are You At?" at www.byfaith-enterprises.com/Prayer Books. If you would like a unique version of this article or other articles on prayer, faith or religion for your website, justClick Here for Unique Articles
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