08.22.07
“DO YOU BELIEVE?”
Genesis 6:15-16
“This is how you are to build it (the ark): The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks.”
It is a sad commentary that our school children are subjected to ridicule by their teachers who scoff at the Genesis account of creation and the flood. These teachers conclude that they have not heard it from their university professors, so it is all just a myth. Is it?
What are those things which we as Christians believe? Do we believe only the things taught in school or do we rely upon the Word of God as our authority? Do we fall into the trap of making the Word only a compilation of stories, some true, some imaginary? I pray that we are never guilty of this.
I remember an act that Bill Cosby used to do. It was the interplay between God and Noah. After getting Noah’s attention, a loud voice, supposedly God’s, began to instruct Noah. God said, “Make the ark 300 cubits long.” Bill (Noah) responded, “Right!” God said, “Make it 50 cubits wide.” Noah responded, “Right!” God said, “make it 30 cubits high.” Noah responded, “Right! ——– What’s a cubit?”
Not a bad question, come to think of it. A cubit was the measure from the elbow to the finger tips of the ruler at the time. It was adjusted from 18 to over 20 inches, either by actual measure, or for there to be a larger measure to benefit the ruler. It has commonly come to signify 18 inches.
So is the story of the ark a believable story? Some time ago a professor at the Naval Academy broke his class into small cell groups. Each group was to design and construct a model of a ship they felt would be most seaworthy in violent open sea conditions. He had a large tank of water by which he could create storms, wind and waves comparable to a violent hurricane.
One cell group used the same proportion of length-height-width, as the ark. It looked like a clumsy tub, and they were somewhat embarrassed to present it on the day of testing. The other groups had made models which were sleek, modern and looked to be much more competent to withstand any battle with the elements.
As each model was placed in the test tank, it soon began to fall victim to the simulated storms and waves and all sank to the bottom. All that is, except the ark model. It was perfectly designed to roll with the waves and wind, right itself and ride on undisturbed.
How did Noah know how to create such a sea worthy vessel? He didn’t. It was not his design but God’s design. God does all things well!
Modern archaeological discoveries have confirmed that there was a worldwide flood. Atheistic scientists have tried everything in the book to deny any biblical account. To do so would prove that there is a God, the Bible is His message to mankind, and they cannot permit that.
I thank God that we now have many brilliant scientists who are Christians and who are publishing a far different story than most of our schools are dispensing. If you are interested in having information on these groups, please contact me.
I think it is well to conclude today with a verse from Joshua 24:15. Joshua had assumed the leadership of the Israelites after the death of Moses. He had brought them across the Jordan to possess the land which God had given to them. He called the leaders together and this was part of what he said by way of challenge;
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil