Scripture:  It was by faith that Noah heard God’s warnings about things he could not yet see. He obeyed God and built a large boat to save his family. By his faith, Noah showed that the world was wrong, and he became one of those who are made right with God through faith—Hebrews 11:7 NCV)..

A trivia question: Who were the only triplets mentioned in the Bible?  Answer: Ham, Shem, and Japeth, because they were born when Noah was 500 years old. (Don’t feel bad; I missed it too.)

We tend to think of the ark as the cute little boat with elephants and giraffes sticking their heads out the windows, and we wonder how it could hold two of every animals.  But Bible scholars tell us it was huge..  Its total volume (450’ x 75’ x 44’ or 1,485,000 cubic feet) amounted to the same space as 522 railroad stock cars, which can carry 125,280 sheep.  The creation experts estimate 8,000 kinds of animals, so there would have been plenty of room. (Jonathan Sarfat, Answers in Genesis).

Seven lessons we can learn from Noah:

• Don’t miss the boat. • Remember that we are all in the same boat. • Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark. • Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. • Speed isn’t everything; the snails were on board with the cheetahs. • Remember the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. • No matter what the storm, when you are with God there’s always a rainbow waiting.

Prayer: Father, I want to have the faith of Noah, to obey even when I do not understand. Help me have an obedient heart. Amen.