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| The Ark Encounter is a Christian theme park featuring a full scale replica of Noah's Ark located in Grant County, Kentucky. image from Google Images |
An impressive life size exhibit in Kentucky featuring Noah's Ark is attracting both Christians and Non Christians and stirring up conversation about this famous Bible story.
During his ministry on earth Jesus also made use of the story of Noah (Luke 17:26). But Jesus was not trying to directly defend a creationist perspective nor was he trying to make scientific claims about the story, which seems to be one of the main objectives behind the exhibit. More importantly, he was using history to teach a spiritual lesson. A lesson that we should think about seriously in our day.
Jesus began, "As it was in the days of Noah..." Jesus draws his audience's attention to a specific point in time in history- the time of Noah. This opening statement is like saying, "Remember Noah?" Jesus is talking about this story as though it is a historical fact. This serves the purpose of emphasizing the reality of what had taken place historically and what will take place at the close of earth's history.
Jesus continues, "So shall it be in the days of the Son of man..." Jesus makes a connection between two specific periods in time, the days of Noah and the days of the Son of man. The "days of the Son of man" is in reference to the days when Christ will judge the world and set up his everlasting Kingdom (Daniel 7:13). Jesus is saying that there is an absolute relationship between the way of life during Noah's time and the way of life in the final days of judgement and the establishment of His Kingdom.
Jesus goes on to explain that during the time of Noah people were eating, drinking and marrying. People were doing what they basically needed to do to survive and procreate. Interestingly, worshiping God or remembering their Creator is not mentioned, suggesting faith in God was not considered something that was necessary for living a good life or ensuring a posterity. At a time when judgement was imminent, there was no regard for God, the Author of life.
Jesus finally describes the end result of a world oblivious to God and living on its uninhibited natural drives and passions. After years of warning people of God's judgement, Noah and his family were the only ones who trusted God, entered the Ark and were saved from the flood.
It's rather coincidental that this modern reminder of the story of Noah is taking place at a time in our country, and around the world, when people are "eating, drinking and marrying" with less regard for their personal relationship with God. Although the dialogue around this modern day Ark exhibit centers around the questions of Religion vs. Science, the real story behind Noah is about a world facing judgement and on the brink of destruction for turning away from God. It's really the story about us.
The point Jesus was trying to make in recalling the story of Noah is that in the days of His judgement and the second coming, the world would be in the same condition as in the days of Noah. During a time of divine judgement, people would be living unrestrained lives, committing acts of violence and hatred, and dismissing the Creator as a necessary part of life. Too many people would be busy "eating, drinking, and marrying" to really make any changes. As one journalist covering the Ark story put it, "the Ark will change some minds, but not the majority." According to the Bible we are living in the time of judgement but you would never know it based on how people are living. Just like in the days of Noah.
Even if not many people change, the Ark exhibit might serve the greater purpose of encouraging an encounter with God's Word and create an awareness of the state of the world, a time of judgement and prompt people to think about their relationship with God. Hopefully this time around we can all give some serious thought to taking His Word and warnings seriously before it's too late.
