We were on the Ark a few days ago. Noah’s Ark.

Ken Ham envisioned creating a full-size replica of the Ark in Kentucky, to show the immensity and scale of this boat God told Noah to build. The Ark was a symbol of the grace of God. It pained Him to see the increasing evil among men (and women). He determined to destroy the world by a great flood, saving only Noah and his family, who worshipped God, and two of every kind of animal that had breath on the earth. It was grace that rescued Noah’s family; and is grace that saves us today.

I didn’t know what to expect when we got to the Ark Encounter. The boat is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high. It’s enormous!

• It had to withstand heavy rainstorms for forty days and nights.
• It had to hold together without leaking throughout that time.
• It had to have space for all the animals aboard (“one of every kind or type, not necessarily one of every animal), provisions for their food and water, for getting rid of waste products, etc.; and
• It had to have provisions and spaces for the family.

We met our dear friends, Fritz and Frank Buschman, their daughter Kim Sahmel and her three beautiful children, the night before. I loved watching Kim guide and teach her three children whom she is homeschooling—Ben, 5; Kate, 8; and Luke, 10. We delighted in seeing the Cincinnati shoreline and the Ark through their eyes. What a delight to see young parents teaching their children truths from God’s word, discipline, and academic and creative skills.

At the Ark, the children rode camels–a first for them, along with seeing some zorses (zebra/horse).

“That was insane,” chuckled five-year old Ben, eyes sparkling as he dismounted.

Scientists estimate it took 75 years to build the Ark. Seventy-five years during which Noah’s neighbors laughed at and mocked him.

“Who is this God who told them to build this big ship? They must be crazy.”

But Noah persisted, obedient to the prompting of God.

And then God told them to get into the boat. When all, family and animals were aboard, God shut the door. No one could open it, from inside or out. The boat was sealed.

I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if those mockers would have trusted the word of God through Noah, and repented of their sin. Based on God’s character, which is both holy and loving, I believe they too would have been invited into the Ark of Protection.

While the creators of the Ark Encounter state that they have taken some literary license in laying out the interior of the ship, etc., they translated Biblical measurements (cubits) into our current feet, yards, etc. for the exterior.

And there was room for all.

I wonder if God gave Noah the whole plan at one time or if He gave it to him a step at a time, as He so often does with me. “Take the next step,” He says, and then another is revealed. Seems the whole plan at one time might have been overwhelming. But then, these instructions were coming directly from God, so maybe not. God himself is overwhelming!

What lessons can we learn from this experience?

The detail of God’s plan for the ages–His plan to offer redemption to all through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing more needs to be done.

“It is finished,” Jesus declared from the cross. And, with His resurrection, He conquered death once for all. Oh yes, you and I will die one day; but our spirits will live on in eternity–our destination depending on whether we have received God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. His grace is there for each of us, if we will only receive it.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

God promises to guide us in all our ways. He didn’t leave Noah without a plan, whether step by step or with one huge blueprint. And He has promised the same to us.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV

May God guide your steps and mine this week as we walk with Him, grateful for His grace!