In “Noah Trusts (Genesis 7-8),” you’ll discover the remarkable story of a man whose faith placed him in the Hall of Fame, as mentioned in Hebrews 11. Noah is celebrated for his unwavering trust in God, which led him to build an enormous ark to protect his family and countless animals during a devastating flood. Saddleback Kids brings this timeless tale to life, illustrating how Noah’s obedience and faith not only saved lives but also demonstrated the power of trusting in divine guidance.
As you journey through the video, you’ll experience the tension and triumphs of Noah’s mission, from the onset of the floodwaters to the moment the earth began to dry. God’s instructions and Noah’s response paint a vivid picture of faith in action. Witness how Noah’s steadfast trust was met with divine protection and a new beginning for all aboard the ark. Through this story, be inspired by the profound impact of unwavering faith in the face of overwhelming odds.
Noah’s Inclusion in the Faithful Hall of Fame
Overview of Hebrews 11
In the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, often referred to as the “Faithful Hall of Fame,” you find a collection of stories about men and women from biblical times who exemplified extraordinary faith in God. These stories serve to inspire and encourage believers in their own faith journeys. Hebrews 11 isn’t just an account of historical figures; it’s a testament to the power of unwavering trust in Godās promises, even when the path is unclear or challenging.
Significance of Noah’s Faith
Noahās inclusion in this chapter is incredibly significant. Noah wasnāt just a man who believed in God; he acted on that belief even when it defied human logic and understanding. His faith was active and operational, teaching you that true faith often involves action. When God told Noah that a flood would cover the earth, Noah didnāt hesitate. He began building the ark, a massive construction project that would have seemed absurd to anyone watching. Yet, Noahās actions spoke louder than words, showcasing his unwavering trust in Godās command.
Noah’s Trust in God’s Command
Trust is a cornerstone of any meaningful relationship, and Noahās trust in God was deep and unshakable. It wasnāt enough for Noah to believe that God existed; he needed to act on what God told him to do. This is a powerful lesson for you. Trusting in God means following His guidance even when it doesnāt make sense in the moment. Noahās life illustrates that when you trust in Godās commands, you open the door to being part of His incredible plans.
God’s Command to Build the Ark
Detailed Instructions from God
Godās instructions to Noah were incredibly detailed. God didnāt just tell Noah to build any boat; He provided specific measurements and materials. These details were crucial for the ark to fulfill its purpose effectively. God instructed Noah to build the ark 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high, which translates roughly to 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. Such precise instructions went beyond mere suggestions; they were vital blueprints designed to ensure the safety and survival of Noah, his family, and the animals.
Noahās Obedience and Preparation
Obedience was a fundamental aspect of Noahās preparation. When you think about Noahās task, it wasn’t just a simple act of construction; it was a monumental display of faith and obedience. He gathered the necessary materials, rallied his family, and started the laborious process of building the ark. There were no shortcuts, no half-measures. Every nail hammered, every plank fitted was a testament to Noahās unwavering faith and obedience to God.
Materials and Dimensions of the Ark
Understanding the materials and dimensions of the ark gives you an appreciation for the scale of Noahās undertaking. The ark was to be made of gopher wood and coated inside and out with pitch to make it waterproof. These specifications ensured that the ark could withstand the floodwaters. The sheer dimensions of the ark highlighted the magnitude of Noah’s task. It wasnāt just a large boat; it was an immense, multi-level vessel designed to house multiple species and provisions for an extended period.
The Gathering of Noahās Family and Animals
Family Members on the Ark
The ark was not solely for Noah and the animals; it was also a sanctuary for his immediate family. This included Noah’s wife, his three sons – Shem, Ham, and Japheth – and their wives. The presence of his family underscores the idea that Godās plans incorporate not just individual obedience but also the salvation and preservation of families. By including his family, Noah ensured that the human race would continue to thrive beyond the flood.
Pairs of Animals Boarding
The boarding of animals was another critical aspect of Noahās task. God instructed Noah to bring pairs of every species into the ark. This was no small feat and required meticulous planning and patience. Each pair – male and female – was essential for the future reproduction and survival of the species post-flood. These pairs also represented Godās care and intention for His creation, ensuring that life on earth would continue after the devastation.
Significance of Animal Pairs
The pairs of animals boarding the ark symbolized order and divine foresight. By entering in pairs, the animals not only provided a means for biodiversity and ecological balance post-flood, but they also demonstrated Godās intricate planning and care for creation. This act underscored the importance of preservation and the continuity of life. It also highlighted Noahās role as a steward of Godās creation, tasked with the immense responsibility of safeguarding the worldās animal species.
The Onset of the Flood
Seven Days of Waiting
After loading the ark, Noah and his family experienced a seven-day period of waiting before the floodwaters began. Imagine the tension and anticipation during this time. It was a profound test of faith and patience. While the world outside continued in oblivion, Noah and his family held onto Godās promise, trusting that He would follow through on His word. This seven-day period of waiting was not just a countdown to disaster but a final moment of peace and reflection before the unfolding of Godās plan.
Beginning of the Rain
The rain began to fall after the seven days of waiting, initiating the most cataclysmic event humanity had ever witnessed. It started with raindrops that soon turned into mighty torrents. The earth began to transform under the deluge, marking the beginning of the 40 days and nights of relentless downpour. You can imagine the sound, the chaos, and the shift in the atmosphere as the rain kept pouring, fulfilling Godās warning to Noah.
Eruption of Underground Waters
In addition to the rain, the Bible describes an eruption of underground waters, adding to the deluge. The fountains of the great deep burst forth, creating a scenario where both the heavens and the earth collaborated to flood the planet. The sheer force and magnitude of the water from above and below contributed to the overwhelming cataclysm, reinforcing the necessity of the arkās sturdy construction and Noahās meticulous obedience to Godās instructions.
Forty Days and Nights of Rain
Description of the Torrential Downpour
The 40 days and nights of rain were characterized by relentless, torrential downpours. The rain was so intense that it covered the earth, submerging even the tallest mountains under water. This wasnāt just a heavy rainfall; it was a divine act of cleansing, washing away the corruption and wickedness that had permeated the earth. The visual and auditory experience of this deluge must have been both awe-inspiring and terrifying, confirming the magnitude of Godās judgment.
Impact on Earth
The impact of the flood was catastrophic. All life outside the ark perished, and the very landscape of the earth was reshaped. The floodwaters swept away the old, making way for a new beginning. This event was a turning point in human history, where God’s justice and mercy intertwined. The earth as Noah knew it was profoundly altered, setting the stage for a fresh start for humanity and creation once the waters receded.
Noah’s Faith During the Rain
Throughout the 40 days and nights of rain, Noah’s faith remained steadfast. While the storm raged outside, Noah had to trust that the ark would keep them safe. His unwavering faith was a beacon of hope in the midst of chaos. Noahās experience during these torrential days serves as a reminder that sometimes faith involves weathering the storm, trusting that Godās promises hold true even in the most trying circumstances.
The Waiting Period After the Rain
Days of Patience
Once the rain stopped, Noah and his family entered another period of waiting. The ark floated on the surface of the water, and patience became their new challenge. Days turned into weeks and months, and still, they waited. This period of waiting tested their faith and resilience, underscoring the importance of patience in God’s timing. Waiting can often be the most challenging part of a journey of faith.
Noah’s Observations from the Ark
During this period, Noah would have spent time observing the external environment from the ark. He saw the floodwaters gradually receding but knew that it wasn’t yet time to leave the ark. His observations were coupled with prayers and hopes for a new beginning. Noah’s watchfulness and attention to Godās timing were crucial. He remained vigilant, ready to act when the right moment came.
Testing for Dry Land
Noah began testing for dry land by sending out birds. This practice was not just an act of curiosity but a strategic way to determine when it would be safe to exit the ark. The process involved sending out a raven and subsequently a dove. These tests were meticulous and patient, representing Noahās reliance on God’s natural indicators to guide him safely out of the ark.
The Role of the Dove
First Sending of the Dove
The first time Noah sent out a dove, it returned, indicating that there was no dry land yet. This initial test helped Noah understand that the floodwaters had not sufficiently receded. While it may have been disappointing, it was a crucial step in the process. The returning dove symbolized that it wasnāt yet time and that more patience was required.
Return with a Branch
After seven more days, Noah sent out the dove again, and this time it returned with a fresh olive branch. This was a pivotal moment. The olive branch served as a sign of new beginnings and hope. It confirmed that the earth was starting to renew itself. This small but significant indicator reassured Noah and his family that their period of waiting was nearing its end and that God’s promise of restoration was unfolding.
Final Departure of the Dove
The final sending of the dove resulted in the bird not returning, signaling that it had found a place to rest. This was the ultimate sign that the earth was ready to support life again. It was now clear that it was safe to leave the ark. The departure of the dove marked the transition from waiting to action, giving Noah the green light to step into the new world God had prepared for them.
Signs of Dry Land and New Beginnings
Noah Lifts the Covering
Noahās next step was to lift the covering of the ark to get a direct view of the ground. By doing this, he could visually confirm the condition of the earth. Lifting the covering symbolized a transition from faith to sight, where Noah’s hope and trust met tangible reality. It was a moment of profound revelation and anticipation, a peek into the renewed earth that awaited them.
Observing the Dry Surface
Upon lifting the covering, Noah observed that the ground was dry. This observation was a delightful confirmation of what the doveās departure had indicated. The dry surface represented a blank slate, an opportunity for new beginnings. It was a moment of clarity and fulfillment, where Noahās faith throughout the entire ordeal was justified and rewarded.
Implications for the Future
The dry land signaled more than just an end to the flood; it represented new beginnings for humanity and all living creatures. Noah and his family had the daunting yet exhilarating task of starting over. They would repopulate the earth, cultivate the land, and restore the balance of life. This new beginning carried the implication of hope and the assurance of Godās continued presence and guidance in their lives.
Noahās Trust in Godās Plan
Facing Uncertainty with Faith
Facing an unprecedented event like the flood required Noah to trust in Godās plan with unwavering faith. The entire journeyāfrom the command to build the ark, to surviving the deluge, and finally to landing on dry groundāwas an exercise in facing uncertainty with complete faith. Noahās journey teaches you that true faith means trusting in Godās plan, even when the future is unclear or intimidating.
Protection of Noah’s Family
Godās plan wasnāt just about preserving animal species but also about protecting Noahās family. Throughout the ordeal, Godās instructions ensured their safety and survival. This divine protection is a reminder that following Godās commands can safeguard you and your loved ones, even when the world seems to be falling apart around you. It underscores the idea that God cares for His people, guiding and protecting those who trust in Him.
Fulfillment of God’s Promise
The entire narrative of Noah and the ark culminated in the fulfillment of Godās promise. God promised to save Noah and his family and did exactly that. The fulfillment of this promise reinforces the reliability and faithfulness of God. When you trust in God’s promises, you can rest assured that He will fulfill them, even if the journey involves trials and challenges.
Conclusion: Noah’s Legacy of Trust
The Lasting Impact of Noahās Faith
Noahās faith has left a lasting impact, making him a revered figure in the “Faithful Hall of Fame.” His story is more than a tale of survival; it’s a testament to what can happen when you trust in God completely. Noah’s faith is a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift believers, encouraging them to act on their faith with the same diligence and trust.
Lessons for Contemporary Faith
Noahās story offers valuable lessons for contemporary faith. It teaches you the importance of obedience, patience, and unwavering trust in Godās plans. Even when circumstances seem dire or inexplicable, holding onto faith can guide you through. Noah’s life exemplifies that God’s promises are worth trusting and that acting on His commands can lead to incredible outcomes.
Honoring Noahās Trust in God
Honoring Noahās trust in God means striving to embody those same qualities in your own life. It involves listening for Godās guidance, acting on His commands, and trusting His promises. By doing so, you honor not just Noahās legacy but also your relationship with God. Noahās story serves as a reminder that true faith involves action, patience, and an unwavering trust in Godās divine plan for your life.
