Abel, Enoch, and Noah are the three patriarchs mentioned in the faith chapter of Hebrews 11 who lived before the great flood that engulfed the habitable world. Abel, mentioned first, understood that the only way to approach God was by way of a sacrifice. Therefore, by faith, Abel sacrificed a lamb, and God accepted his offering. This is the starting point of a relationship with God.

Enoch walked by faith, and from him we learn that to please God in an ungodly world our walk must be separated from the present evil that surrounds us. Enoch’s faithful walk with God brought pleasure to God’s heart, so that before the judgment came, God took him away and he did not see death.

Noah’s father, Lamech, was a God-fearing man under whose influence Noah grew up. It is a great privilege and blessing to live in a God-fearing home. Noah’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all men of faith. Noah was God’s chosen vessel to prepare an ark that saved him and his household during the flood, which was God’s judgment upon the earth. Noah, moved by faith and having proven himself faithful, was ready to take on this gigantic project of building a ship on dry land. God furnished him with the blueprint. During the 120 years that the ark was being built, Noah was a preacher of God’s righteous coming judgment. Sadly, none heeded the warning that God had given. Only Noah and his family entered into the safety of the ark that God provided.

It is still true today that God has provided a way of escape from the judgment to come. The Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, is God’s provision. He is the Ark of safety for our security and eternal blessing.