The release of the film Noah has again – or perhaps yet – sparked the age-old debate of whether Noah’s Ark is fact or fiction. Both sides, especially those who claim the latter, can temptingly argue with eloquence and so-called evidence. It’s not possible for one man to build an ark of that size, the animals never could have traveled from around the world to reach Noah, carnivores would have eaten herbivores during the 150 days in which Earth was underwater. Perhaps the greatest argument against Noah’s Ark is that involving freewill: why would God give freewill to all of mankind only to punish them for exerting their right?
These statements must be similar to what men of Noah’s time believed: they were too intelligent and too strong to heed God’s word. They considered themselves equal to the Creator, able to live as they wanted because of their manly superiority. Ultimately, these men died and have been long forgotten by history.
Those who believe in God trust in the Bible. They place their faith in its words and relentlessly rush to its defense. They know God’s ability surpasses so-called reason and science.
In today’s world, it’s easy to question God’s presence. The moment tragedy strikes, people are quick to utter a string of infamous words: if there is a God, how can He allow rape, murder and cancer? Yet life now is cushy compared to Biblical times – consider the Ten Plagues – and people then didn’t doubt God’s presence. They thought themselves equal to the Maker, but they didn’t dismiss him. They believed not because of what they read, but because of what they knew in their hearts.
In our times of trouble, we turn our backs altogether on God and reason away his existence. Occasionally those who do believe blame Him for their missteps. But certainly those same people aren’t as quick to thank Him for their blessings.
It is precisely the doubt in our hearts and minds that perpetuates misery. Some people find temporary satisfaction in explaining away Biblical events like Noah’s Ark, but to what purpose do they really contribute? Nobody can say it’s more comforting to deny God’s presence than accept it. The only point to such arguments is to further glorify mankind. But in an age of mounting crime, deteriorating families and economic collapse, humans clearly aren’t doing much that deserves praise. Take a look at the sun setting in the sky or a child running across a vista of green grass and try to say the same of God.
Whether you believe in the story or not, Noah should serve as a figurehead to everyone: he did not lose his faith even as the world around him collapsed. He believed and he sought to do as God commanded. Even after all these years, believers everywhere find value in the message of Noah’s story: God is here, and His will will be done.
Praising God will not bring you harm – it may just be the wall that separates you from peace and happiness so you can face the maelstrom of today’s unworthy world.
