Noah built the Ark as instructed by God in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 6:14-22.
Genesis 6:14-22
Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee. And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Genesis 6:14-22
10 lessons we can learn from the story of Noah building the Ark?
The story of Noah building the Ark, as found in Genesis 6:14-22, is rich with lessons that can touch our hearts and guide our lives, especially when seen through the lens of faith. It’s a story not just about surviving a great flood but also about trust, obedience, and the relationship between God and humanity. Let’s explore some lessons we can glean from this timeless narrative.
- First off, Noah’s story teaches us about the importance of listening to God, even when His instructions seem unusual or difficult. Noah didn’t question God’s command to build an ark; he just got started. This shows us the value of having unwavering faith and trust in God’s plan for us, even when it’s hard to see where the path is leading.
- Then there’s the lesson of obedience. Noah did everything just as God commanded. This wasn’t a small task; it was a huge project that likely seemed impossible at times. Yet, Noah kept at it. His obedience is a powerful example for us, reminding us to follow God’s guidance in our lives, even when it demands hard work and dedication.
- Noah’s story also highlights the significance of preparation. By building the ark, Noah was preparing for a future event that God had foretold. It teaches us to be spiritually, mentally, and physically prepared for the challenges that life might throw our way, trusting that God is guiding us through them.
- The ark itself is a symbol of salvation. Just as the ark provided a safe haven from the flood, God offers us protection and salvation through faith. This symbolizes the refuge and safety we find in God, especially during the storms of life.
- Moreover, the story underscores the theme of renewal and second chances. The flood washed away the old, and with Noah’s family and the animals saved on the ark, a new beginning was possible. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter our past, through faith, we can start anew with God’s grace.
- Noah’s faith was proactive; he didn’t just believe in God’s word; he acted on it. This teaches us that faith is not passive; it requires action on our part. Our faith should motivate us to make positive changes and take steps toward fulfilling God’s will.
- The diversity of life saved on the ark speaks to the importance of all God’s creations. It teaches us to value and care for the diverse life around us, recognizing that everything has its place in God’s plan.
- Noah’s commitment to his task also demonstrates the virtue of perseverance. Despite likely facing mockery and doubt from others, Noah persevered in his mission. This encourages us to stay the course in our faith, even when faced with skepticism or adversity.
- The story also conveys the idea of covenant and promise. God’s covenant with Noah after the flood is a testament to His faithfulness and the promises He makes to us. It’s a comforting reminder that God keeps His promises and is always with us.
- Lastly, the narrative of Noah and the Ark teaches us about the consequences of our actions but also about divine mercy. While the flood came as a judgment, God’s saving of Noah, his family, and the animals shows His mercy and love for His creation.
Each of these lessons from Noah’s story offers us insights into living a life of faith, obedience, and trust in God. They remind us that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, our faith can be a guiding light, leading us to safety, renewal, and a closer relationship with God.