Text: Hebrews 11:7
Introduction
Our current series, Certain, explores biblical faith as we consider Hebrews 11. The book of Hebrews appears to be written to a group of Christians who had a firm knowledge of the Old Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures) and who were experiencing hardships and persecution because they trusted in Christ Jesus (ref. Heb. 12). In many ways, Hebrews is written to encourage faithfulness in difficulties and reads much like a sermon. It's written to encourage Christians to hold fast to their faith in Christ, even when circumstances make it difficult to see God's promises fulfilled. Hebrews 11 and The Hall of Faith testify to the commitment and faithfulness God desires in His people.
Just before the chapter we call Hebrews 11, the author records:
Hebrews 10:35–36 (NIV)
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."
Hebrews 11 is not a random collection of people but a portrait of people who trusted God's promises, like Noah. These were not perfect people or people who did not have flaws; they were people much like you and me with problems. However, they had confidence in God's word. Noah's story reflects the confidence God seeks. Noah's perseverance in building the ark is a testament to his enduring faith and obedience.
Not A Kid's Story
Hebrews 11:7 (NIV)
"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith."
Noah's unwavering faith is a powerful example of the kind of faith that pleases God.
Years ago, and perhaps still today, it was popular to have a nursery painted with a mural of Noah's Ark. You had the ark with all the animals painted in cute cartoon characters. Many children's books still reflect this portrait. However, the actual story from Scripture is not a children's story. It's not a bedtime story. It's a story of violence, corruption, sin, judgment, and God's salvation.
It's not very far into the biblical story that we get to the account of Noah and the flood.
Genesis 6:5–8 (NIV)
"The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, "I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them." But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord."
The Scriptures record the wickedness of people and the intent of their hearts, which deeply troubled the Lord. With the purpose of judgment and salvation, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. As we read in (6:9), Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time, and one who walked with God. Much like Enoch, who we read about in (Heb. 11:5), Noah walked in a manner pleasing to God. This link connects us back to one of the purposes of the author of Hebrews:
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
To be pleasing to God requires us to walk by faith, knowing God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. The author wants his readers and us to understand how we please God. Pleasing God means we walk faithfully with Him, trusting in His promises and following His words.
Among a generation where people were set on injustice, corruption, greed, and wickedness, Noah walked with the Lord and was a just person.
The Rescue
God reveals his instructions and rescue mission to Noah:
Genesis 6:17–22 (NIV)
"I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them." Noah did everything just as God commanded him."
With plans for the ark and through faith, Noah did everything as God had instructed. His faith in God's promises and obedience to God's words drove his actions. Earlier, the Lord had said:
Genesis 6:3 (NIV)
"Then the Lord said, "My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
If we follow the timeline of Noah's life, Noah likely spent 120 years building and preparing the ark before the flood waters came upon the earth. It's hard for us to wait patiently for the Lord. Often, we want to see an immediate fulfillment of God's promises. However, based on the instruction of the Lord, Noah faithfully committed his hands to the work of the Lord, although the Lord's promise would not see their fulfillment for perhaps 120 years.
We are familiar with the story. The flood waters did come on the earth. Noah, his family, and the animals were rescued through the waters as God established His covenant with Noah. The earth was cleansed as Noah and his family stepped out of the ark onto dry ground. This flood was not just a natural disaster but a symbol of God's judgment on the wickedness of humanity and His salvation of the righteous, as seen in the establishment of the covenant with Noah.
Crossing The Context
Noah's story demonstrates the kind of enduring faith that the author of Hebrews wants his readers to embrace—faith that acts in obedience to God even when the path ahead is uncertain. Noah lived in a world that rejected God, but Noah honored God. His faith was not just intellectual but active, resulting in his perseverance in building the ark. This contrast between Noah's faith and the world's rejection of God underscores the importance of faith in the face of adversity.
Today, Noah's example reminds us that true faith means trusting God's word, even when we can't see the whole picture. It requires patience and perseverance, especially during long periods of waiting. Noah's faith saved his family, and God preserved His creation through him. In the same way, our faith in Christ leads to salvation—not just for ourselves, but as a witness to the world around us.
Noah shows us that faith is not easy, but faith walks with God. As we reflect on Noah's obedience, may we be encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when we cannot see their immediate fulfillment. Ultimately, it's not just about avoiding judgment but becoming part of God's family and receiving His gift of life through faith in Christ Jesus.
Just as Noah faithfully built the ark over many years, trusting God's word, we are also called to persevere in faith and obedience, even when circumstances are difficult or God's promises seem distant.
May we commit to trusting God's promises, even when we can't see immediate results.
Notes:
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from: ”Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.