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Noahs Ark Had No Rudder

Chad
Administrator
Staff Member

Chad

#1
Noahs Ark Had No Rudder

- July 06, 2005

"By faith Noah, being warned by God about things Not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation Of his household and became an heir of the Righteousness which is according to faith." Hebrews 11:7

Did you ever notice that, in Genesis, when God was giving Noah the instructions on how to build the ark, He never told him about the rudder? Every great ship that I have ever known has had a rudder. Every ship I have been on I hope, by faith, has a rudder that is in working order.

Why did God not put a rudder on the ark? Can you imagine Noah saying, "Umm, God, I have a question. Do you think we can put a rudder on this thing?" Instead, Noah's reaction was, "Yes God; I will do as you command. I will get out of my comfort zone, I will do what You have asked me to do and I will do Your will."

The reason that Noah did not ask for the rudder is because he knew that no matter what was going on around them, that God was going to steer the boat to safety and that God was in charge. All Noah and his family had to do was be faithful to the calling God put on Noah and to wait.

Is God calling you to do something that takes a great deal of courage and takes you out of your comfort zone? I can assure you that Noah's comfort zone was not on the ark with hundreds of animals who smelled like a really bad day at the zoo. Noah stepped out anyway, and thanks to him, we are all here today. I challenge you to step out and do that which God is calling you to do. God is in charge, and as such, God will provide. What an awesome thing to grasp.

Contributed by Carl Holmes

 
A
Member

achilles2005

#3
Story of Noah: a myth or a reality?

The unknown author in the biblical Book of Genesis says that human wickedness causes Yahweh (Jehovah) to regret that he created humankind; so, He resolves to destroy all living things. Only Noah being pious finds favor with Yahweh, who instructs him to build an ark in which both human posterity and other creatures will be preserved. In the book of Genesis at chapter 7, verse 15 -17; it is written, "And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two of all flesh, in which is the breath of life. Therefore, those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in. Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased, and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth." After forty days, the waters had abated from off the earth. After that only Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives made up the world's population. It appears that the author of book of Genesis had taken the main idea from other religious beliefs. The mythological stories of flood in books of other religions as well confirm that in a remote time in the past, the world was destroyed or cleansed by fire or flood. God had inflicted the punishment on humankind because of their wrong doings. A Mesopotamian mythology does recall the geographical realities of a land that was subjected to sudden flooding from the two Great River Tigris and Euphrates. A similar account can be found in the Gilgamesh Epic. It is a Babylonian heroic narrative of Sumerian origin. It says that the high god Enlil sends a deluge to destroy humankind. Only one man, Utnapishtim, survives in a cube-shaped ark he has been instructed to build and to stock with the seed of all living creatures. The description of his preparation and voyage closely anticipate the biblical story of Noah.

The motif of the Flood also occurs in the mythology of India and Greece. In Chinese myth, a hero named Yu is asked by the Emperor Shun to bring floodwater under control. The punishing toil took 13 years, but Yu at last solves the problem by constructing canals. The Aboriginal Australian myth of the Great Flood, which both destroyed a previously existing world and initiated a new social order, may have a historical basis in the effects of rising sea-levels as temperatures rose after the last Ice Age. In several versions, the Flood is the work of the great serpent or rainbow-snake Yulunggul, who sends it in anger at pollution of his waterhole by the two Wawalag sisters, Waimariwi and Boaliri, whose travels play a major role in Aboriginal creation myths. Yulunggul devours the sisters and their two children, but after the Flood has abated, he regurgitates them, creating the first inhabitants of the New World.

Yet surprising but true, while Flood myths show the destructive power of water; the creation myths on the other hand often recount the origins of the world from a watery abyss or primal sea.

Moses perhaps had narrated the story of Noah to the Israelites while they were wandering in the desert. He had done so just to reveal the redemptive features of God in men like Noah. To Israelites, rains and floods were not the known occurrences. Therefore, they did not know that the Ark is a mere curved vessel and not a ship. Only Ships have a hold to carry possessions of the kind that went in with Noah. Besides, to survive forty days in heavy floods the ship must have a bulk, volume, and watertight compartments. Further, such a ship ought to be built from highly seasoned wood. How was Noah able to build such a ship single-handed? Why not, some must have said? Since Noah lived in the woods, it was quite natural for him to be a skilled carpenter. Then there had been no rains before the deluge; therefore, long exposure to dry weather had naturally seasoned the wood. Be that as it may, the story of a charming ship builder; a sailing vessel with bowsprit and rigged masts; floating in flood; containing men, animal, etc., had been greatly fascinating to the people wandering in the desert. The story had not only raised their spirits but also had kept their hopes alive in desert at times when they were greatly distressed. The story of Noah had raised in them a hope; that later became real in Jesus. Through this story, Moses had revealed the redemptive plan of God for the humankind. What is that redemptive plan? God's redemptive plan is; whenever men will be overwhelmed with grief, sorrow, and despair he shall then come himself to save them. When Israelites were in captivity there was Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Thus, when there shall be none to lead God shall then come again to lead the humankind.
 
Dreamer
Member

Dreamer

#4
Seems like we all want rudders these days. Seems like we all want to steer our own ship. Last night at revival, the pastor preached on Noah, so this bible devotion really got my attention.
 
N
Member

Nigh

#5
I find it interesting how every major ship building civilization has used the exact dimensions given to Noah by God to build their own ships. And guess what, they work! And furthermore have been found to be the best dimensions for a single hull craft, and little or no improvements have been made since. Wow! God is so smart, and powerful how can we not obey him, and have faith that he knows best?
Thanks for sharing Chad.

May the peace of the Lord
be with you always,
Nigh
 
J
Member

jiggyfly

#6
An amazing story of faith and faithfulness.

The unknown author in the biblical Book of Genesis says that human wickedness causes Yahweh (Jehovah) to regret that he created humankind; so, He resolves to destroy all living things.
Click to expand...

And by the way achilles2005, the author of Genesis is Moses.
 
S
Member

SirWulfe

#7
Nigh said:
I find it interesting how every major ship building civilization has used the exact dimensions given to Noah by God to build their own ships. And guess what, they work! And furthermore have been found to be the best dimensions for a single hull craft, and little or no improvements have been made since. Wow! God is so smart, and powerful how can we not obey him, and have faith that he knows best?
Thanks for sharing Chad.

May the peace of the Lord
be with you always,
Nigh
Click to expand...

But, the Ark was only about 510 feet long, and the bridge was about 50 feet off the ground. Titanic was 150% longer, and twice as tall.
 
S
Member

SirWulfe

#8
I'm not up on my bible, so forgive me here but, given the size of the Ark, how could Noah fit two of every animal? And on that, how did he even get two of every animal? Certain animals would simply die if given a sudden change in environment. Lastly, the point of this thread: without a rudder, the boat would have turned broadside to the swells. Without a rudder to keep her nosing into the swells, why wasn't she swamped? Is there an answer other then "Faith?" I apologise if I come across as disrespectful. It isn't my intent. Personal belief is important, and I try to respect those who's ideals differ from mine.
 
Brad Huber
Loyal

Brad Huber

#9
SirWulfe said:
I'm not up on my bible, so forgive me here but, given the size of the Ark, how could Noah fit two of every animal? And on that, how did he even get two of every animal? Certain animals would simply die if given a sudden change in environment. Lastly, the point of this thread: without a rudder, the boat would have turned broadside to the swells. Without a rudder to keep her nosing into the swells, why wasn't she swamped? Is there an answer other then "Faith?" I apologise if I come across as disrespectful. It isn't my intent. Personal belief is important, and I try to respect those who's ideals differ from mine.
Click to expand...
It doesnt say and I wasnt there to witness it. I accept it on faith, that the God creator of the whole universe could find a way.
 
S
Member

SirWulfe

#10
Brad Huber said:
It doesnt say and I wasnt there to witness it. I accept it on faith, that the God creator of the whole universe could find a way.
Click to expand...
I guess, because my faith is, let say different, I don't see why God would do it quite like that. Let me explain: God is the father of all. A father's duty is to ensure his children are not just well cared for, but well educated. By simply doing everything for Noah, all God is doing is ensuring that humans cannot function without Him. I guess I just see it as: Gid gives Noah a task: Build an ark. Save every animal you can. Beyond that, if Man is to survive, and prosper, he needs to show he is capable of surviving on his own. It's a bit like being an adult. Your father is there if you need him, but, if he does his job right, you should be able to handle everything on your own. I guess I just don't see God, who worked hard on Man, requiring such a reliance. After all, if God can just make it happen, why learn to farm? Why learn to build a house? Why learn, or do, anything? God will handle it. All you need to do is pray, and poof, field of wheat. Poof, a house. To use a quote from the Bible. Give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, feed him for life.
 
Brad Huber
Loyal

Brad Huber

#11
SirWulfe said:
I guess, because my faith is, let say different, I don't see why God would do it quite like that. Let me explain: God is the father of all. A father's duty is to ensure his children are not just well cared for, but well educated. By simply doing everything for Noah, all God is doing is ensuring that humans cannot function without Him. I guess I just see it as: Gid gives Noah a task: Build an ark. Save every animal you can. Beyond that, if Man is to survive, and prosper, he needs to show he is capable of surviving on his own. It's a bit like being an adult. Your father is there if you need him, but, if he does his job right, you should be able to handle everything on your own. I guess I just don't see God, who worked hard on Man, requiring such a reliance. After all, if God can just make it happen, why learn to farm? Why learn to build a house? Why learn, or do, anything? God will handle it. All you need to do is pray, and poof, field of wheat. Poof, a house. To use a quote from the Bible. Give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, feed him for life.
Click to expand...

Different is right. Dont put your words in God's mouth.
 
W
Loyal

Wired 4 Fishen

#13
SirWulfe said:
I'm not up on my bible, so forgive me here but, given the size of the Ark, how could Noah fit two of every animal? And on that, how did he even get two of every animal? Certain animals would simply die if given a sudden change in environment. Lastly, the point of this thread: without a rudder, the boat would have turned broadside to the swells. Without a rudder to keep her nosing into the swells, why wasn't she swamped? Is there an answer other then "Faith?" I apologise if I come across as disrespectful. It isn't my intent. Personal belief is important, and I try to respect those who's ideals differ from mine.
Click to expand...
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
 
W
Loyal

Wired 4 Fishen

#17
SirWulfe said:
But by becoming fully obedient, doesn't that mean we forgo our free will, a gift from God?
Click to expand...
No not one Bit.
Just as Noah had free will to obey or not, so do we.
This free will can be exercised unto obedience or disobedience AND can be used and change direction at any time.
 
Brad Huber
Loyal

Brad Huber

#18
SirWulfe said:
But

But, wouldn't it be better if God taught some independence to Man? I hate tl get off track of the main thread, but it is a serious question.
Click to expand...
He gave us independence of choice. The ability to do good or evil, the greatest independence I can imagine. We failed in that, what makes you think you can do better now. Have you become wiser (not including in your own eyes), that you can be trusted with more independence, like perhaps helping other intelligent life mature in a good way? I dont think you know enough to be as good as, much less better than God. That was satan's thoughts, and now he is the main enemy of mankind.
 
S
Member

SirWulfe

#19
Wired 4 Fishen said:
No not one Bit.
Just as Noah had free will to obey or not, so do we.
This free will can be exercised unto obedience or disobedience AND can be used and change direction at any time.
Click to expand...
But by choosing complete and utter obedience, you are forgoing your free will. You are saying "I don't want to think for myself, or do anything for myself. I want to rely completely on you for everything." The Bible is full of people who go, and do, for themselves. Fully independent people. While they may be doing something in the name of God, they pull through on their own.
 
W
Loyal

Wired 4 Fishen

#20
SirWulfe said:
I think man has proven nothing is truely impossible.
Click to expand...
That's pretty lame. :)
Man gives up and says there is no hope, the cancer is to far and you will die in days.......

Free Will Time
Believe man or believe God

Free Will Time
Give up and die
Seek God non stop and get healed and live.

No Friend man will never be able to dwell without possibilities on his own
 
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