Noah and Pirates
Ahoy!
I realize the title of this post is rather ridiculous, but bare with me.
First off, I decided to read about Noah and the Ark this morning for one main reason -- Animals seem to have an attitude.
A few days ago I was driving in a not-so-respectable neighborhood (you know, the kind that causes you to hit the lock button while driving) when some ducks literally pimp walked into the middle of the road. Yes, I realize to the average driver my Honda Element is not very intimidating, but to a duck it should be. These three ducks, no kidding, stopped and gave me the stare down. They knew I didn't belong on their turf and wanted me to know it. I pulled right up to them and honked my horn ... nothing changed. After about a minute or so they slowly split with just enough space for me to squeeze by with only 3 to 4 inches between the duck gang and my tires.
Remembering this event, I dug into Genesis 6 ...
God saw "how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time." (Gen. 6:5) The people were so corrupt at this time that verse 7 said God was "grieved that [he] made them." If the three ducks I had a run-in with could have the attitude of those around them, imagine two of every creature on Earth (minus the swimming ones:) with the attitudes of those during Noah's time!
When reading about Noah and his families faithfulness I can't help but be impressed. Even if you take just a piece of the story, it amazes. For example, imagine God just told Noah to build an Ark. No gathering of crazy animals, just build a big boat. Let's say, 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Cool?
"OK, God, no problem ..."
You know what else is so great about this story? It is a story many learn in Vacation Bible School as a young kid, yet is just as fun to read today. I love how God created life with the relational dynamic of stories within a great story. So, as life happens, stories like Noah and the Ark grow. They gain new meaning while at the same time keep the old.
I encourage you to go back and read some childhood favorites. I'd love to see what they do to the soul God gave you. My little brother Khary and I are reading one of my childhood favorites, Treasure Island. It is really a lot of fun digging in to an old favorite again, reliving the adventures ...
and fortunately, no matter how crazy animals get, they don't have that.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 by Bryan