July 30, 2006
“How to Leave an Ark”
Genesis 8:6-22

“How to leave an ark” probably does not seem a very practical topic for a sermon. Noah’s experience of surviving a worldwide flood on a God designed boat is unique to eight people. Yet, if we broaden the topic to something like how to leave a major catastrophe or how to carry on after major (maybe even life-changing) trauma than we have something more applicable to all of us. Is Noah, who literally saw most of his world washed away, a good example to us? I believe he is! He shows us how a truly godly man moves on after a horrible event.

I. Proceed with caution and care – Genesis 8:6-14
1. Because this comes before “pray and obey” in my outline does not necessarily mean Noah was not praying – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
2. Grace does not mean Noah does not use lawful means to test situations, it does not mean he can avoid being careful –
3. Use lawful means: note the different birds he sends out, Matthew Henry says each bird is a type –

“The dove is an emblem of a gracious soul, which finding no rest for its foot, no solid peace or satisfaction in this world, this deluged defiling world, returns to Christ as to its ark, as to its Noah. The carnal heart, like the raven, takes up with the world, and feeds on the carrions it finds there” Matthew Henry’s Commentary

I would not necessarily go as far as Matthew Henry with typology, but we should glean this about decision making, if the raven represents the carnal heart, we should not follow wherever it leads – Psalm 1:1-2; Proverbs 14:12; 16:25.
There are ways that the world might lead, where we cannot go, things a raven will eat a dove will not. There are things an unbeliever might do in a time of distress a Christian could not.

II. Pray and obey – Genesis 8:15-19
1. Here it seems obedience would be easy –
2. Yet, Noah had established a habit of obedience to God – Genesis 6:22; 7:5
3. We have God’s law written for us – Joshua 1:7-9; Psalm 119:11
4. Noah was in communion with God – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

III. Place God’s things 1st, make His worship and service your priority – Genesis 8:20
1. After a time of difficulty or trauma we typically tend toward making our own needs a priority / the priority – Matthew 6:25-34
2. God tells us to seek Him first – Matthew 6:33
3. Here Noah is putting God first – Genesis 8:20
A. Before building a house, he builds an altar
B. Before finding food, he offers a sacrifice
Application of this point:
(1) The worship of God is a first priority after any trauma or difficult situation, such as recovery from illness, moving to a new home, endurance of a natural disaster, etc.
(2) During these times the devil will tempt us – Job 1:18-2:10
(3) During these times we greatly glorify and please God with our worship – 1 Peter 1:6-9

Before the winds that blow do cease,
Teach me to dwell within Thy calm;
Before the pain has passed in peace,
Give me, my God, to sing a psalm,
Let me not lose the chance to prove
The fullness of enabling love.
O Love of God, do this for me;
Maintain a constant victory.

Before I leave the desert land
For meadows of immortal flowers,
Lead me where streams at Thy command
flow by the borders of the hours,
That when the thirsty come, I may
Show them the fountains in the way.
O Love of God, do this for me;
Maintain a constant victory.

AMY CARMICHAEL

IIII. Note with all this, God will be PLEASED – Genesis 8:21- 22
1. God is pleased with Noah’s sacrifice – Genesis 8:21
2. God promises stability – Genesis 8:21-22
3. God gives His people stability in all seasons of life – Psalm 1:1-6

Pastor Arnold Brevick