A Modern Day Noah

What would people think if you bought a few vacant lots in your neighborhood and started building an ark? In “Evan Almighty,” Steve Carell brings his deadpan humor from the “The Office” (the recent English spin-off a BBC hit show) to the big screen, in a fun-for-the-whole-family movie comedy. While parts of the story line are perhaps a bit worn (workaholic dad finally starts spending time with the family), and the humor somewhat lacking compared with the prequel (which was also more crass), it was good, clean entertainment with a number of positive messages. What I found most enjoyable was the creative portrayal of what it would be like for a modern-day Noah to be told by God to actually build an ark. (When we read the Biblical stories we are wrong to assume that obeying God was easier - or saner - “back in the day.”)

I was reminded afresh of a lesson I learned back in Sunday School. Sometimes God asks us to do the silliest things! Build an ark? You’ve got to be kidding me! What will people think of me?

Watching “Evan Almighty” encouraged me to reconsider an important, foundatioanl Biblical lesson for God-followers (and my guys enjoyed it way more than the reading we did after supper): God wants his people to follow him in faith, even when others think it is silly. Tell the truth when it may cost me a client? Silly. Go to church when everyone else is playing soccer – or boating – or golfing – or whatever? Silly. (Yes, I have recently talked with Christians who have been ridiculed for making these kinds of choices.) Give my money to the kingdom? Silly. Waste my time serving the poor and needy? Silly. Talk to my neighbors about a real, future kingdom where we are going to live for ever? Silly.

Give us more modern day Noahs . . .