Noah – Last of the Patriarchs
The story of Noah involves not one, but two great and tragic floods. The world in his day was flooded with evil. The number of those who remembered the God of creation, perfection, and love had dwindled to one. Of God’s people, only Noah was left. God’s response to the severe situation was a 120-year-long last chance, during which he had Noah build a graphic illustration of the message of his life. Nothing like a huge boat on dry land to make a point! For Noah, obedience meant a long-term commitment to a project.
Many of us have trouble sticking to any project, whether or not it is directed by God. It is interesting that the length of Noah’s obedience was greater than the lifespan of people today. The only comparable long-term project is our very lives. But perhaps this is one great challenge Noah’s life gives us – to live, in acceptance of God’s grace, an entire lifetime of obedience and gratitude.
Strength and Accomplishments
- Only follower of God left in his generation
- Second father of the human race
- Man of patience, consistency, and obedience
- First major shipbuilder
Weakness and Mistake
- Got drunk and embarrassed himself in front of his sons
Lessons From His Life
- God is faithful to those who obey him
- God does not always protect us from trouble but cares for us in spite of trouble
- Obedience is a long-term commitment
- A man may be faithful, but his sinful nature always travels with him
Vital Statistics for Noah
- Where: We’re not told how far from the Garden of Eden people had settled
- Occupation: Father, shipbuilder, preacher
- Relatives: Grandfather: Methuselah. Father: Lamech. Sons: Ham, Shem, and Japheth
Key Verse for Noah
“Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22)
The story of Noah is told in Genesis 5:29 – 10:32. He is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 1:3-4; Isaiah 54:9; Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Matthew 24:37, 38; Luke 3:36; 17:26, 27; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5.
Click here to print or download the Scripture character study “Noah – Did Everything Hod Commanded“
