THE ARK LANDS The ark came to rest on Mount Ara- rat, which means “high land” or “sa- cred land,” both of which are fitting. Genesis 8:13-14 states: In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed the surface of the ground was dry. And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day, the earth was dried. The ark had a covering, possibly some water-repellent material. After a year and ten days aboard the ark, Noah waited for God’s command to leave. God told Noah to exit the ark, followed by his family and the ani- mals, so they could multiply and fill the Earth. Noah’s obedience shows his incred- ible character. He waited for God’s perfect timing. Upon exiting, Noah built an altar and offered a burnt of- fering from every clean animal. God was pleased with the offering, sym- bolized by the soothing aroma, and He vowed never again to destroy the Earth with a flood (Genesis 8:21- 22). God also reaffirmed His covenant with humanity, giving mankind do- minion over the animals, but em- phasizing that humans cannot kill one another without consequence. The rainbow was established as a sign of God’s covenant, a promise that the Earth would never again be destroyed by water.
LIFE’S LESSON Noah is remembered for his faith- fulness (II Peter 2:5) and is never condemned for the actions of his grandson, Canaan. He lived anoth- er 350 years after the flood, though the Bible records very little of his life thereafter. What defines us is not what happens to us, rather it is how we respond. In Hebrews 11:7, Noah is called an heir of righteousness, a man of faith. In Ezekiel 14:14, he is called a righteous example. Despite the challenges he faced, Noah stands as a model of true faith. In the face of
all the societal trials he endured for over 120 years, not to mention the destruction of everything he had ever known, he remained utterly steadfast in his obedience and trust in God. Jesus likened the end times to the days of Noah (Matthew 24, Luke 17). We are living in these end times where people are focused on them- selves and have totally disregarded God. In the dark days ahead, we should reflect on Noah’s example and take it to heart—living with faith and readiness. Our salvation and comfort is coming soon!
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