It’s a children’s story, a favorite for every generation. I told it to my kids, and they are telling it to their little ones. God said, “Noah, build a boat… call the animals two-by-two… God sent a great storm… everyone in the Ark was safe…”
It’s more than just a story! Noah is a type of Christ. His life foreshadows the life of our Lord. Let’s consider seven ways…
First, Noah’s name points to Jesus. At birth, his daddy dubbed him Noah, saying, “This one will give us rest” (Genesis 5:29, NASB). Jesus beckoned His followers saying, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest!
Second, when the world was filled with “nothing but evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5), God looked down and… “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8, NKJV). Similarly, as God looked down on Jesus, He said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Both pleased their Master.
Third, “Noah was a righteous man” (Genesis 6:9). At Calvary, “when the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, ‘This man really was righteous!’ ” (Luke 23:47).
Fourth, “Noah was … blameless” (Genesis 6:9). For thirty-three years, our Savior walked in unhindered, unbroken relationship with His Father. He was blameless, “tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
Fifth, God called and commissioned Noah to save all who would believe. When the huge ark was completed, everyone was invited to be saved from the impending doom. Likewise, Jesus was sent by His Father to save all who would believe (John 3:16).
Sixth, Noah “did everything that the Lord commanded him” (Genesis 6:22; 7:5). Jesus boldly declared, “I have kept my Father’s commands!” (John 15:10).
Seventh, and finally, when God’s judgment was complete, Noah delivered his family to safety (Genesis 8:18-19). Picture it! When the storm was past and the flood waters had receded, Noah opened the door and led his family out. “Welcome! We’re safe We’re home!” As they stood on dry ground and looked out on God’s restored creation, I wonder if Noah brushed a joyful tear from his wife’s cheek (Revelation 21:4).
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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