By Randy Garrison

Last week Lynn and made a visit to the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, the replica of the Biblical Noah’s Ark.

Until you arrive and stand looking up at the ark do you realize how large the exhibit actually is, and it is breathtaking. In laymen’s terms it is one- and one-half football fields in length. Actual dimensions are 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet. The goal was to be as close to the Biblical dimensions of the ark Noah and his sons constructed before the great flood. 

 “So, God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress[c] wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high.[d]16 Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit[e] high all around.[f] Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it.” Genesis 6 :13-17 NIV

Looking and walking through the replica my thoughts kept going back to the faith that Noah had to possess to take on such a project. He followed God’s instructions and his family was saved as all life on earth was destroyed due to the wickedness of the inhabitants of the earth. Oh, to have that kind of faith, but Noah did as he was instructed and followed God’s instructions.

As we toured the exhibit one thing that really caught my eye was the door that was constructed as was in God’s instructions. This would have been the door where Noah and his family entered the ark, and all of the animals did as well. After they entered God shut the door and Noah and his family were safe inside.

Noah and his family were safe inside the ark because they followed what God has told them to do while all life on earth who breathed air were destroyed. God provided this ark for Noah because he found favor in God’s eyes and was a righteous man.

But notice I included quotation marks on encounter in the title. Looking at the door on the and thinking that God shut them inside to protect their lives, brings my thoughts to present day. 

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20 NIV

Jesus words telling us He is knocking at the door of our heart and all we have to do is let Him in He is our provider and protector, offering eternal life with Him.

Just as God provided an ark to save Noah and his family, God sent His son to offer salvation to each of us before he puts an end to the evil on earth. 

The goal of the folks at Ark Encounter is to change hearts of those who visit the ark. It is much more than just a tourist attraction, but truly an encounter.