Brown reminds us of wood — rough timbers, heavy planks. Noah’s ark was made of brown wood. Brown reminds us of earth and dust, and in Lent we remember that we too are dust, and to dust we will return. The flood came. Judgment fell. But Noah and his family were safe inside the ark. We see the gospel pattern here. Sin cannot be ignored. But grace provides shelter. The ark points us to the cross. Brown wooden beams once carried Noah to safety. And another wooden cross carries us to salvation in Christ. In Christ, we are sheltered and saved.

 

Put It into Practice: Build one plank. Identify one small act of obedience God has been prompting you toward—apologizing, forgiving, praying, giving. Do it this week, even if it feels uncomfortable.

 

Day 1 Genesis 6:9–22; Hebrews 11:7

Reflect: In what three ways is Noah described? What do each of them mean to you, and how would you rate yourself in each? According to Hebrews 11:7, what motivated Noah’s obedience? 

Apply: What does faithful obedience look like for you when God’s instructions don’t make sense? Have you experienced that? Where might God be asking you now to trust Him before you see results? 

Pray: Father God, thank You for the example of Noah, who by faith believed Your warnings about things unseen and acted with humble obedience. Strengthen my resolve to obey Your commands.

 

Day 2 Matthew 24:37–51

Reflect: What similarities does Jesus draw between Noah’s day and the days before His return? What attitudes kept people from being ready? How does Jesus describe the posture of a faithful servant? 

Apply: What distractions most easily dull your spiritual attentiveness? If Christ returned today, what would you want Him to find you doing, or not doing? How awake are you to God’s purposes?

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the lessons that You would have me learn. I pray that I may faithfully fulfill the work that You have called me to do as I watch for Your return.

 

Day 3 1 Peter 3:13–22

Reflect:  How is Noah’s ark connected to salvation in Christ? What does this text say about suffering for doing good? How does Jesus’ resurrection change the meaning of suffering and obedience?

Apply: Where are you tempted to avoid obedience because it might be difficult? Does this inspire you to think differently about your baptism? How does Christ’s victory give you strength to endure? 

Pray: Holy God, strengthen me to endure trials with patient prayer, remembering that Your love and hope in You are powerful. May my life, even in suffering, bring honor to Your name and shine as a testimony to Your redeeming work.

 

Day 4 2 Peter 2:4–9

Reflect: What examples here show both God’s justice and mercy? What does this say about God’s ability to rescue the righteous? How does Noah’s story function as both a warning and a promise?

Apply: How does knowing that God sees both evil and faithfulness shape your trust in Him? When have you experienced God rescuing you? Is there someone you know who needs God’s rescuing?

Pray: Lord, when temptations overwhelm me, and trials feel too great, remind me that You see, You understand, and You know the way out. Help me to trust not on my own understanding, but in Your faithful ability to deliver me and preserve me for Your kingdom.

 

Day 5 Romans 6:15–23

Reflect: What contrast does Paul draw between slavery to sin and obedience to God? How does this passage redefine freedom? What does Paul say is the outcome of a life surrendered to God?  

Apply: How do you experience the pull of old patterns of sin? How does obedience lead to life rather than restriction? What would it look like to offer yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness?

Pray:  Almighty God, transform my desires so that I increasingly want what You want, yielding my heart, mind, and body to your Spirit. May the fruit of righteousness grow in my life as I walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh.