The Flood and the Ark of Salvation

Salvation belongs to the Lord. This is the second truth emphasized in the story of the great flood. The first truth was that God judges sin with death. The second truth always accompanies the first in God’s story. Mercy always accompanies God’s judgment. He is a merciful, saving God.

After revealing His plan to destroy all living things, God told Noah, “Make yourself an ark.” God was going to show mercy to Noah and his family—his wife, his three sons, and their wives. He was also going to show mercy to every kind of animal, “male and female.” This way, they could start life again after the flood. The ark had to be big and strong. It had to hold a lot of weight. So God had Noah build it with specific instructions on floors, windows, and more. However, it needed only one door.

Through this one door, God would first bid Noah to “come into the ark.” Noah’s family and the animals would follow him “into the ark.” They all “entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood.”

God designed the ark. He made it possible and kept it together. It needed no rudders, sails, or anchors for man to use. Noah didn’t even need to close the door, for “the Lord shut him in.” Salvation is a work entirely performed by God. Those who want it need only to enter in faith. God will do the rest. After the flood, “only Noah was left and those who were with him in the ark.” It was the ark of God’s salvation.

Reflections

1. What does the ark tell us about God’s provision of mercy and salvation? How does it relate to what happened in the garden of Eden?
2. What do we learn about God’s nature as we focus on the ark? How do you think God feels about those who put their faith in Him? Why?
3. How does this truth from the story of the great flood motivate you to live by faith? In what way does it encourage you to love God? Is He your protector?

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