“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD” Genesis 6:8

If it weren't for the notable exception of Noah, we might not exist. A generation characterized as greatly wicked such that “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5) stood on the brink of utter annihilation. Noah, however, uniquely lived a life of integrity with His Creator. The apostle Peter memorably describes God’s saving work through Noah:

“the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 3:20-21.

The ark serves as a baptism example in that eight people were saved through the water just as we are saved through the waters of baptism. The resurrection of Jesus is our ark of safety as we live “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” (Philippians 2:15) not unlike the days of Noah. Indeed, Jesus made the comparison: “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah” Matthew 24:37.

What difference can a person of integrity make amidst a generation on the brink of destruction? Noah is our great example. As those who have found the favor of God through Christ, we can serve as an ark of safety to the responsive as we lift up His gracious salvation plan. The impact one individual living faithfully with God can have must not be underestimated.

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