Boomer.
Our modern culture values the young, the new, the improved, and the “next thing.” One of the best ways to sell a product is to call it “new and improved!” The very term progressive implies a value of progressing forward, which requires new ideas, especially concepts that challenge the status quo.
People pay great sums of money to look and feel younger, between special diets and surgeries and hair coloring. If there’s one problem, it’s being old.
Sometimes, an older generation warns the younger about the harm of these new ideas. Maybe the ideas aren’t new at all.
As Solomon says in Ecclesiastes, there’s nothing new under the sun. But the young don’t want to be told no or given limits. So, they come up with a derisive name for old fogeys.
Baby Boomers. The name comes from those born in the decade after World War II, who we now call Boomers. These Boomers are old, vote conservative, and argue against certain progressive ideas. So, they are dismissed as dumb or old-fashioned.
There’s a danger in dismissing the old out of hand. Often, the elderly have a perspective and wisdom we would do well to take into account and respect.
God uses people of all kinds to accomplish his redemptive work, and some of the most important characters in the Old Testament were “too old” and dismissed. One of those older people is Noah.
The Story of Noah
God instructed Noah to build an ark — a massive vessel — because He was about to bring a catastrophic flood to cleanse the earth of the people’s growing corruption and wickedness, especially violence.
The ark was to be constructed according to specific dimensions and provisions, ensuring the safety of Noah, his family, and a diverse selection of animals during the impending deluge.
Noah’s obedience to God’s command is a central theme of the story. Despite the incredulity and mockery of others, Noah remained steadfast in his faith and diligently carried out the monumental task of building the ark.
As the ark neared completion, God instructed Noah to gather pairs of animals — representatives of every species — to be saved from the flood. This symbolized God’s care for all creation and His desire to preserve life.
Once the ark was ready, Noah, his family, and the animals entered it, and God shut the door. The heavens opened, and rain poured down for forty days and nights, causing the waters to rise and cover the entire earth.
Inside the ark, Noah and his family experienced God’s provision and protection. For more than a year, they navigated the tumultuous waters, waiting for the flood to recede. Finally, as the waters subsided, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.
Noah's first act after leaving the ark was to offer a sacrifice of gratitude to God. God’s response was a covenant — a solemn promise — never again to destroy the earth by flood. To seal this covenant, God set a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His enduring faithfulness.
The story of Noah serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for sin and God’s judgment, but it also underscores His mercy and willingness to provide a path to salvation.
Noah’s obedience and faithfulness demonstrate the transformative power of aligning oneself with God's purposes even in the face of skepticism and adversity.
How Old Was Noah When He Built the Ark?
According to the genealogical records and timelines provided in the Bible, Noah is believed to have been around 500 years old when he began building the ark.
The story of Noah and the Ark is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in chapters 6 through 9. The account of Noah's age at the time of the flood is a fascinating aspect of this ancient narrative.
In Genesis 5:32, it is mentioned that Noah became the father of three sons — Shem, Ham, and Japheth — when he was 500 years old.
This event serves as a significant marker in the timeline of Noah's life, indicating that he had reached this age before embarking on the monumental task of building the ark.
By the time the floodwaters began to cover the earth, Noah would have been much older. According to Genesis 7:6, Noah was 600 years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth.
The flood lasted for 40 days and 40 nights, after which the waters gradually receded, and the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Eventually, Noah and his family, along with the animals, left the ark to repopulate the earth.
Noah’s willingness to carry out a monumental task at an advanced age serves as a remarkable example of his commitment to fulfilling God’s purposes.
It also underscores the concept of divine timing, as God's plans often unfold over extended periods, requiring patience and steadfastness from those who seek to align themselves with His will.
What Are Other Biblical Figures Called by God When Old?
The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who were called by God to significant tasks and missions during their later years, demonstrating that age is not a hindrance to fulfilling divine purposes.
These stories highlight the timeless truth that God’s plans can manifest at any stage of life and that He equips and empowers individuals to accomplish His will regardless of their age.
Perhaps one of the most well-known examples is Abraham and Sarah. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and promised to make him the father of a great nation.
Despite his advanced age, Abraham became the father of Isaac when he was 100 years old, and Sarah gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90. This miraculous fulfillment of God’s promise showcased His ability to work beyond the constraints of natural circumstances.
Moses was around 80 years old when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses became one of the most prominent figures in biblical history, delivering the Israelites from slavery and leading them through the wilderness.
Caleb, one of the 12 spies sent to scout the Promised Land, demonstrated remarkable faith and determination.
Despite being among the minority who believed that the Israelites could conquer the land, Caleb had to wait 45 years before finally receiving his inheritance. At the age of 85, he led the conquest of the city of Hebron.
The parents of John the Baptist, Elizabeth, and Zechariah were well beyond their childbearing years when God granted them a son. This miraculous birth was a testament to God’s power and His ability to bring about His plans in unexpected ways.
In the New Testament, Anna and Simeon were elderly individuals who recognized the significance of Jesus’ birth.
Anna, a prophetess, devoted her life to worship and prayer in the temple, and Simeon, a righteous man, was promised by God that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. They both played a vital role in acknowledging and proclaiming Jesus as the Savior.
These examples highlight the principle that God’s timing and purposes transcend human limitations. Age is not a barrier to God's call; rather, it can be a testament to His sovereignty and ability to use individuals at any stage of life.
These biblical figures demonstrate that a willingness to listen to God's voice and a readiness to respond in faith can lead to extraordinary accomplishments, even in later years.
What Does Noah’s Age When Building the Ark Mean for Us Today?
The story of Noah being called to build the ark when he was an old man holds profound lessons and relevance for us today. This narrative from the Book of Genesis offers insights that resonate across generations and provide guidance for how we approach our own lives and faith journeys.
1. God's timing is perfect. The fact that God called Noah to build the ark at an advanced age emphasizes that God’s timing is not bound by human limitations.
In a culture that often prioritizes youth, Noah’s story reminds us that God can call us to significant tasks and missions at any stage of life. It teaches us to trust in His perfect timing and not to discount our potential impact based on age.
2. Obedience and faithfulness know no age. Noah’s unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God's command to build the ark serve as powerful examples for us today.
His willingness to step out in faith, despite the enormity of the task and the skepticism he likely encountered, highlights the importance of obeying God's call regardless of our age.
It shows that a heart fully surrendered to God's will can accomplish remarkable feats and contribute to His greater purpose.
3. Leaving a legacy. Noah's obedience in building the ark left a lasting legacy of faith for generations to come.
Similarly, the choices we make in response to God’s calling can have a profound impact on our families, communities, and the world. Whether young or old, our actions and decisions can leave a positive mark that extends far beyond our own lifetimes.
4. Stepping beyond comfort zones. Noah’s call to build the ark pushed him far beyond his comfort zone. It had never rained! And building an ark was certainly a new and crazy idea since people mocked Noah.
Similarly, God often calls us to step out of our comfort zones, embracing challenges and uncertainties as opportunities for growth and transformation. This narrative encourages us to embrace change and embrace God’s plans, even when they seem unconventional or daunting.
Our culture tells us to settle down and retire when we are old, but God may have a new adventure and purpose waiting for us when we get old. There’s no retirement in following God.
5. Faithfulness in the face of adversity. Noah's journey in building the ark was not without difficulties and obstacles. His story illustrates the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity.
In our own lives, we may encounter obstacles and setbacks, but Noah’s example encourages us to remain steadfast and trust in God’s provision and guidance.
6. A reminder of God's covenant. The story of Noah and the ark culminates in God’s covenant with humanity — a promise to never again destroy the earth by flood.
This covenant serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and enduring love. It reassures us that God keeps His promises and invites us to live in response to His grace and mercy.
In essence, Noah’s calling to build the ark when he was an old man underscores the timeless truth that God’s plans and purposes transcend age and human limitations.
It invites us to reevaluate our preconceptions about what is possible and encourages us to live lives of obedience, faith, and trust in God’s leading.
Noah's story reminds us that our age should not deter us from answering God’s call, whether old or young, and our willingness to listen and respond can lead to remarkable acts of service, transformation, and the fulfillment of God’s greater design for our lives.
For further reading:
4 Lessons of Hope from the Story of Noah and the Ark
What Is the Meaning and Warning in 'As it Was in the Days of Noah'?
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