Instruction for Safety: Genesis 6:14-22

Genesis 6:14‑22  •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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Noah was not left to make his own plans for the ark which God told him to build. God gave him all the instructions he needed as to the size, the number of stories, and also that it was to have only one window and one door. In fact God even told him what kind of wood to use, as well as about the pitch with which he was to cover it within and without. Many people try to make their own plans for salvation, such as good works, prayers, going to church, and many other ways which they think are good enough. But they do not want to come in God’s way. The Lord Jesus Christ and His work are the only “ark” of safety from coming judgment.
The Ark
This ark was a tremendous boat, as large as the great vessels that sail the ocean today. There was room for all who would enter, but there was only one door. The only door of salvation now is the Lord Jesus who said, “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). After they entered there was only one window by which they could look out, and it was in the top so they could look up. Some of our readers know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and there is a lesson for us here. In all our diffi­culties and trials, let us learn to look up to the Lord in prayer. He is able and willing to help us in every time of need.
The wood and the black pitch would remind us of how the Lord Jesus died on the cross for us, and so whether we looked at the ark from the inside or outside, we would think of the Lord Jesus going through death, in order that we might be saved. Noah was to bring all kinds of food into the ark, and we who are “safe in Christ,” find the food that is necessary for our new nature in the Bible. This is why we should read the Word each day, to make us “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Unsaved Helpers
Perhaps in building this great ark Noah had the help of some others who did not come into it when the flood came. They might have been good carpenters, and willing helpers, but the ark would not do them any good unless they took shelter inside. There are many boys and girls who are much like this. They come regularly to Sunday School, and even help in it by giving out the hymn books, and doing other things, but they have never accepted the Lord Jesus as their own personal Saviour. They can tell all about Him, and even tell others how to be saved, but like Noah’s helpers, they refuse to come to Christ themselves. Are you one of these helpers who cannot say you are saved yourself? The Lord Jesus is waiting to save you, but if you put it off, you may find yourself outside the door, and there will not be any way of escape for you then. God’s judgments will fall on you, and you will have to spend eternity in outer darkness, away from God forever.
Further Meditation
1. What do the wood and black pitch used to build the ark remind us of?
2. There are several different types of arks mentioned in the Bible. Besides Noah’s ark, what other arks can you think of? What do each of them represent?
3. You might enjoy handing out the gospel tract Noah’s Carpenters that presents the warning mentioned in this meditation.