2/27/22 - The Flood and Salvation - Genesis 6:9-21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Many are at least somewhat familiar with Noah. We can thank Russell Crow, Emma Watson and director Darren Aronofsky for bringing their version to the big screen in 2014. (Although not very accurate.) Most would remember there was a large boat and judgment along with a flood. But none of these things are the point of the narrative. This account is about how men and women are saved. Jesus compared his return by using the flood as an example. He said we should not be caught unaware like the people of Noah’s time.

For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 
-Matthew 24:37-39

Noah lived by faith and walked with God. His decisions and actions pleased the one he served. He believed what God said was true. 

Noah had more faith than you know. 

God gave him specific building plans for the ark. But a couple of important things were missing. Where are the instructions for the rudder and helm? Noah had to trust God thinking, “God, you will have to take care of the sailing and the landing!” God would be the sponsor of this cruise and he is the captain of this boat. Think about this - Noah was not given the understanding as to how God was going to create this flood. There’s no indication that water had fallen from the sky before. While Noah built at day he preached at night..for 120 years! No doubt those around him mocked and attempted to make him feel very small. The culture labeled him a loser and religious fanatic. But with that first drop of rain Noah’s witness was proven right. Some of you feel like giving up. You are walking with God and there’s not one cloud in the sky...yet. There’s rejection and discouragement and at times you wonder if God is real. Do not give up and do not quit and you might have to wait for a long time but the time will come when God makes everything crystal clear. If you are walking with God make no mistake about it, there will be a specific day when it is made evident to everyone that God is walking with you!