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Let’s Pretend We Are Noah
Let’s Pretend We Are Noah
Here’s an old story with old lessons that needs to be learned anew again. For the sake of effect, let’s pretend we are Noah.
(None of the ME statements are actually said by Noah, but do illustrate how some modern “Christians” appear to think via their actions)
GOD: “Then God said to Noah, “I have decided to put an end to every creature, for the earth is filled with wickedness because of them; therefore I am going to destroy them along with the earth.”
ME: “What? Wait! Every one? What about me? That’s not fair! “
GOD: “Make yourself an ark”
ME: “Oh, never mind. After all, I am basically a good person.”
Now pause for a moment. Would you be grateful that God is willing to save you? How would you – should you – show your gratitude?
GOD: “Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark,”
ME: “Rooms? That’s so last year’s design. This year it’s open spaces. One room will be more esthetically pleasing. Maybe if I make the ark more modern, people will repent and join me on the ark”
GOD: “and cover it with pitch inside and outside.”
ME: “OK, that makes sense to me, so I’ll do it. Don’t want any leaks now, do we?!.”
GOD: “This is how you are to make it: The ark will be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high.
ME: “That’s a lot of work. I don’t think God will mind if I cut off a few feet. I trust God’s power more than than I trust the exact dimensions of the boat being necessary. It’s God who is really saving and not the boat.”
GOD: “You are to make a roof, finishing the sides of the ark to within eighteen inches of the roof. You are to put a door in the side of the ark.”
ME: “Only one way to get into the boat? That’s seems intolerant. One door also doesn’t seem convenient. What if I want to go in or out and I’m at the other end? I don’t think God will mind if I put in an extra door or two. This might even let more people in if they think its good to join me.”
GOD: “Make it with lower, middle, and upper decks.” (Genesis 6:13-16)
ME: That’s a lot of stairs. Two is enough. I don’t think God will mind if I change this part of the plan either. All those stairs won’t make me happy and I know God wants me to be happy.”
Now I hope none of us would make any of those decisions concerning the ark. Either we would be too afraid the ark would sink because of our disobedience, or we are so thankful for God’s salvation we want to please Him. However, how do we react to God’s plans for salvation from sins, Christ’s Church, or our lives?
Asking for authority for all things, whether specific or generic, so we can make everything according to the pattern today (Hebrews 8:5), isn’t cold, self-righteous, legalism. Seeking authority is about gratitude for God saving us!
Instead of pretending to be Noah, instead lets imitate him – “And Noah did this. He did everything that God had commanded him.” (CSB’17 Genesis 6:22)
That’s still a valuable lesson we all need to learn.
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