“Then God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth. Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you shall make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. You shall make a window for the ark, and finish it to a cubit from the top; and set the door of the ark in the side of it; you shall make it with lower, second, and third decks.” (Genesis 6:13-16 NASB)
This past Friday as I was teaching a virtual Bible Study class, getting close to the last couple of verses, there is a loud knock on my front door. I paused for just a moment to see who was at the door. I didn’t see anyone, only a UPS truck and a big, long, heavy box on the porch. I left it there and continued teaching, after explaining to my class that I had ordered a couch and was not expecting it until September 1. After class, single-handedly I get the box in the front door, turn it around to lean it on the stairway and left it there. It might have still been there today. before you head to church if my wife didn’t come and help me. What happened to the day when “delivery” actually meant that the company would bring it in, set it up, smile and say, “Enjoy your new product?” Oh man was I complaining. Then I thought about Noah and how he was told to build an ark. Noah didn’t even have a box delivered, he had to go get the things necessary to put the ark together. My anxiety level went down after thinking about Noah. I had the parts. I just had to follow the directions and assemble another piece of furniture. As a side note, I should put a sign on it that says, “Assembled by Mark King. Use caution when sitting down.” I’m just kidding! Really!
The quick Sunday lesson is this, I had directions to follow from the manufacturer. Noah had directions to follow from the Creator. This morning we all will receive some directions to help us continue to put together a life characterized as holy; more sanctified this week than the week before. Listen to Him today as He speaks to you through His chosen vessel. We can count on God for directions. In my case with the couch, I will be developed by my assembly work, more equipped for the next online order. In Noah’s case with the ark, his faith was developed by his work. As it applies to all of us, we will be developed further this morning, of we have ears to hear, and as we work on making perfect progress on our Christian journey. One final word, don’t be like me and have the nerve to complain if the preacher goes a little bit longer than indicated when he says, “I won’t be long this morning.” Benefit from the preached word to the best of your ability! And pray for me! Perhaps Noah knew what a cubic was, but if I find my assembly instructions mentioning a cubic, “’we’ in trouble!” Just kidding! Enjoy church! Be blessed!
“This God is our God forever and ever; he will lead us for all time to come.” (Psalm 48:14 Good News Translation)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King