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It is no surprise when people hear and read of a universal flood and "Noah's Ark" they quickly dismiss the literal and escape to what they believe is "mere mythology" or categorize it as "virtually impossible." Archeologist and professor, Kenneth Feder, of Central Connecticut State University stated, “As the flood story itself is unsupported by any archaeological evidence, it's not surprising that there is no archaeological evidence for the existence of an impossibly large boat dating 5,000 years ago.”
It seems Feder, like many, will go to great lengths to prove that there is nothing to prove, endlessly seeking to debunk and deface biblical truth.
He explains, "Despite numerous reports of ark sightings (e.g. Ararat anomaly) and rumors, no scientific evidence of the ark has emerged. Searches for Noah’s Ark are considered by scholars an example of pseudoarcheology, also known as alternative archaeology, fringe archaeology, fantastic archaeology, cult archaeology and spooky archaeology--is the interpretation of the past by people who are not professional archaeologists and who reject or ignore the accepted data gathering and analytical methods of the discipline."
Allow me to interpret Dr. Feder's conclusions; if you believe in the Old Testament narrative of Noah's Ark, you are less than intelligent; you're actually cultish and even "spooky."
While I could simply begin to ask questions, how is it there are fossilized sea creatures and shellfish found in the Himalayas high above sea level, which apparently is due to ocean waters having flooded the region? Or why is it that whenever we visit our grandkids, we always head out to hunt for sharks' teeth and seashell fossils, and they live in Kansas, over 1,300 miles from either the Atlantic or Pacific oceans?
I would rather thank God, who in His grace, has given me and millions of others faith to trust in a literal creation where God created everything (ex nihilo) Latin for "out of nothing," simply by means of His spoken Word. I am also thankful that God gives faith to accept a literal resurrection of Jesus from the dead. That's how the Apostle Peter was able to preach Christ crucified and risen again in Acts 2. Many who study scripture are well-versed with an all-knowing and all-powerful sovereign Creator and Savior who regularly defied natural laws through supernatural means.
There are dozens and dozens of miracles in the Bible! Therefore, it is not a stretch to be thoroughly committed, with confidence, to the truthfulness of the story of Noah and the ark. It's called faith and the Bible teaches in Romans 10:17, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."
So, whether doubted and debated by skeptics or most certain and sure for those who trust a sovereign God. There is something bigger at play here and it's this, can we take God at His Word or not?
While Noah and his family worked on building the ark, they undoubtedly kept these words and this promise, from God, in their hearts "But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife and your sons’ wives with you" Genesis 6:18.
Like many today, I'm certain Noah and his family wondered at times, "Can we really trust the Word of God?" knowing what was to come was grim, there would be tidal waves of death. Yet, in the middle of God's strictest judgment, we see love and grace in His plan to offer protection for His people from the wrath to come. We see this in the word "covenant."
Yes, there has been wickedness and violence and even Noah, although described as "righteous," in Genesis 6:9 was NOT perfect. Yet, we see this picture of God saying, "I'm going to make a way for you and your family to be spared my judgment, to be spared the coming wrath. Come into this ark and you will be protected. You will be saved. You will be safe." It's in this picture of a covenant; God shows His love for Noah and his family.
You may be asking, "What does this story have to do with me, today?" In this verse, we are seeing a picture of God's love for us in Christ. It is saying anyone who will trust in Him can "come into the ark" so to speak.
Just as the ark will cover this family from the storm of God's wrath, the blood of Christ can cover you from the wrath we deserve as sinners.
Just as the ARK was a refuge…so is the CROSS of Jesus Christ a place of refuge!
Just as the ark only had one door through which Noah had to enter to be saved from the flood, salvation in Christ has only one door. Jesus Himself said "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved" John 10:9.
Every one of us is sinful and deserves the just wrath of God and eternal separation, but Jesus made a way for us to be delivered from that judgment. He has provided a covering for us by shedding His blood on our behalf. Thankfully, as Romans 10:13 explains, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Praise God, at this very moment as we see the skies darken and the storm clouds forming, there is hope, and hope has a name. His name is…Jesus! Trust in Him today.
Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Timothy Boger, Senior Pastor at Big Woods Bible Church in Lock Haven.