“Make for yourself an ark of gofer wood. “ – Genesis 6:14 (HCSB)
Melanie and I had the opportunity to attend a Pastor’s conference this past week at the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY. The ministry responsible for the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter is a ministry known as Answers in Genesis. The particular conference that we attended was to remind us, as Pastors, of the sufficiency and clarity of the Word of God in today’s world.
As a part of this conference, we were able to tour both the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. I must admit that I was intrigued as I walked through the Creation Museum and saw the exhibits that reflected the creation from the basis of the truth of God’s Word. I stood amazed while thinking once again about how everything that exists, both seen and unseen, was spoken into existence by God. What an AWESOME God we serve!
The Creation Museum was great, but I have to admit that when we drove up to the full-sized ark at the Ark Encounter, I was amazed. Amazed because throughout my entire life, I remember hearing the Biblical account of Noah’s Ark, but all we ever had to look at was a drawing in a Bible dictionary, or a small wooden model. To see the size of this ark was quite overwhelming. Certainly an experience that I would encourage you to take advantage of if you ever plan to travel through Kentucky some day.
As we walked through the three levels of the Ark and looked at the exhibits that were there, it was like we were walking back in time to experience what our ancestors went through as they obediently followed God’s command in Genesis 6:14, “Make for yourself an ark of gofer wood.” (HCSB)
When you look at the Biblical account in Genesis 6 you will see that God, the Creator, as He witnessed the wickedness of man was widespread over all the earth, pronounced His judgment on them. His judgment was that he would wipe off of the face of the earth including man, the animals, creatures that crawl, and the birds of the sky. However, there was one man who found favor with God, Noah.
God spoke to Noah and told him of the plan for His judgment and his plans to flood the earth in order to destroy all life. But He also instructed Noah to build an ark. Gave him the dimensions, told him what materials to use, how to waterproof the ark, how to layout the interior, and to build a door in the side of the ark.
After giving these instructions, God said to Noah, “I will establish My covenant with you, and you will enter the ark with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives.” (Gen. 6:18) He then instructed Noah to bring two of every living thing of all flesh, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Also God told him to bring every kind of food that is eaten for you and for the animals, birds and crawling creatures. And Noah did just as the Lord said.
Standing in that massive structure, I could not help but reflect on the fact that in the world that existed in Noah’s day, that he was the only one who found favor in God’s sight. I wondered while standing there, “What if that had been me? Would I have been the one God would find or would I have simply become like all the rest who were found to be wicked in the eyes of the Lord. Sadly, I realize that I would have most likely been with those who perished.
But when I am reminded of the story of Noah’s Ark, I cannot help but remember the “Door” that God instructed Noah to put on the side of the ark. It was through this “Door” that God brought all the living creatures aboard the ark, including Noah and his family. God made the way for Noah and his family to enter into the ark. By entering, this meant that they would then enter into the covenant with God to be rescued from death.
This truth gives me great hope as I remember the words of Jesus in John’s Gospel, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and fond pasture.” (John 10:9 HCSB) Just as in the days of Noah, God has provided a “Door” for sinners to pass through so that we might be saved. His name is Jesus!
Remember, all of us are sinners who are in need of a Savior. Have you walked through the “Door” by placing your faith in Jesus Christ? If not, I ask you to consider doing so. For just like in the days of Noah, the alternative to walking through the door is death!
In Christ,
Bro. Tim
