Mount Ararat -- Genesis 8:1-3

MOUNT ARARAT

 

So, today I want to begin a series of messages from the significant mountains in the Bible.   

The first of those mountains are the two peaks of Mount Ararat where it is biblically understood that Noah landed the ark in this mountainous region.

 

• Mount Ararat is what is considered to be two volcanic peaks in the extreme territory of eastern Turkey very close to the Iranian border.  The Mountain range itself is about 25 miles in diameter, and the larger of the two peaks reaches almost 17,000 feet above sea level while the other peak reaches about 13,000 feet above sea level.
• In 1829, a German explorer made the first successful ascent to the mountain, and since then there have been many explorers in whom now believe that they have sighted the remains of Noah’s ark, his house, and the altar he built unto the Lord. 

 

When you think about Noah’s ark, you have to think about the flood or what many call the “Deluge”. 

Two things I want to emphasize:

 

#1. The Flood was  IMMINENT.

• The skies were clear overhead, the sun was rising and setting
• As Jesus said, "Men were marrying and giving in marriage," (Matthew 24:38b).
• Business was going on as usual and there were no signs of impending judgment, much less rain and stormy skies.

 

God gave no forecast, no thunder, no rain drops, other than the ark.

The people rejected and neglected the warnings from a foolish old man and his family building that boat.

 

#2. The Flood was IRREVERSIBLE.

Men and women and children would lose their lives.

Entire generations of families would be wiped off the earth.

The earth itself would be forever shaped by this massive force of flood waters.

Nothing would ever be the same and Everyone perished except for Noah and his family.

 

Fossil records indicate massive volcanic eruptions;  changes in  climate and shortened life spans are all a result from the Flood. The Earth would forever be changed…

 

Noah’s experience walking out of the ark must have been tragic and disheartening. It was desolate, without life.

 

Quote - Dr. Henry Morris

The lands that had once teemed with animals and people and lush vegetation had been replaced by a desolate wilderness. The air which formerly was warm and gentle now moved in stiff and sometimes violent winds, and there was a chill on the mountains slope where the Ark rested. Dark clouds rolling about the sky, which had once been perpetually and pleasantly bright, seemed to threaten more rains and a recurrence of flood conditions. Scattered around on the land surfaces were occasional rotting carcasses and skeletons of the animals and people doomed in the waters of the Flood, a vivd reminder of the ungodliness of the antediluvian world and the fate from which God had delivered the survivors.

 

What Noah saw didn’t stop him from his second building project: An altar unto the Lord.

Noah took the very best of the livestock and offered them unto the Lord.

Noah’s altar of worship released an aroma that inspired God to make A Covenant of Promise upon the Earth.

 

The Impact of the Noahic Covenant:“God Establishes a New Beginning on the mountains of Ararat”

 

God would eventually restore Noah and his family, and the earth would once again be filled with Life.  Mount Ararat points us to the value that God places on human life, specifically the kind of life that is meant to reflect His glory and His image.   When we live lives of obedience as Noah did, we find favor with God, and He is able to bring us through the storm landing us on a mountain of new beginnings, of second chances.

 

This mountain speaks of the nature of our God.  A God of Second chances.  This would not be the last time God would give humanity another chance, for the Bible is full of second chance stories just like this…He is not done pouring out grace and mercy, God’s judgment is real and terrible and something that no one will ever want to experience, so that’s why grafted into the biblical story is a message of Mercy triumphing over judgment, where God grants the grace you need to get a second chance…

 

Are you feeling like God has forgotten you?

Has God been silent in your storm?

Do you sense devastation beyond repair?

 

God values your life so much He chooses not to forget you, or His promise of eternal life to those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ.   He will not revoke His promise of faithfulness in your situation…

 

GOD WANTS TO ESTABLISH A NEW BEGINNING FOR YOU!

 

God is for you and He wants to bring a new beginning to your life…one of Mercy triumphing over judgment…one of Promises fulfilled…one where God’s blessing makes a big deal out of your life…

He wants to SUSTAIN you. PROTECT you.

He wants you to ENJOY your life.