With its animals, large boat, huge rainstorm and then the promise of the rainbow, the story of Noah and his ark full of animals appeals to all ages. As with all scripture stories, you need to get beyond just the telling of the story and help your family learn valuable life lessons from it. When it comes to the story of Noah, one such lesson to be learned is that of obedience and protection.
Obedience
1.
Constant obedience
Noah proved himself to be obedient over and over. He was chosen to be saved in the ark because he "was a just man and perfect in his generations, and [he] walked with God." (Genesis 6:9) When the Lord commanded him to build the ark, collect the animals and to gather provisions for himself, his family and the animals the scriptures say, "thus did Noah, according to all that God commanded him, so did he." (Genesis 6:22)
Each time your family obeys God's commandments, they can find protection and blessings from Him just as Noah did. When Noah first set out to be obedient, he had no idea he would be chosen to become a prophet and build an ark. He wanted to obey because he knew spiritual safety was in following God's commands.
2.
Exact obedience
Exactness also describes Noah's obedience. Each time God gave him instruction, he "did according unto all that the Lord commanded him." (Genesis 7:1) As you teach your family to obey God's commandments, teach them to follow in exactness. We are not commanded to be honest only half the time or when it is convenient. You need to follow each commandment to its fullest and to your best ability.
3.
Unwavering obedience
Noah also demonstrated unwavering obedience. He did not listen to what his neighbors must have said as he built his ark and collected the animals. He was not interested in their opinions. The only person he sought to please was God. Teach your family to not seek the approval of the world, but only the approval of God.
Protection
1.
Places of refuge
Noah's obedience led to his protection from the floods that came. He listened as the Lord commanded him to "come thou and all thy house into the ark." (Genesis 7:1) The ark was his protection from the floods that came and destroyed every other living thing on the earth.
Just as Noah was protected within the ark, you need to create places of refuge for your family. These places of refuge need to be from the floods of the world today. These may not necessarily be physical floods of water; instead they are likely to be floods of wickedness, sin and faithlessness. Your ark is your home, your place of worship or anywhere that is untouched by the world.
2.
The Lord remembers and protects
After 40 days of rain and flooding, the scriptures say, "And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark." (Genesis 8:1) God does not forget those who are obedient and seek his protection. He remembered Noah and he will remember you and your family as you remain faithful in the face of the storms you face.
After the flood, God set the rainbow as a token or emblem of his promise to Noah. When you see the rainbow, remember it is also a token to all those who follow God that he has promised the ultimate protection of his Son, Jesus Christ.
3.
Gratitude for protection
Finally, it is important to remember that the first thing Noah and his family did after leaving the ark was to build an altar, "and offered burnt offerings on the altar." (Genesis 8:20) These offerings were in gratitude for the protection provided to them by the Lord. As your family feels God's protection throughout your lives, always remember to thank God for those blessings.
Noah's obedience provided vital protection from the flood. Your obedience can provide vital protection from the floods of wickedness in our day. Teach your family to follow God's commands always, with exactness and with unwavering faith so you can feel the protection of the Lord.
