2,348 BC, Or 5,700 BC, Or 50,000 years ago, Or. . .
Paramount Pictures added a disclaimer to marketing materials in February 2014, which read:
“The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis.”
If you have not seen this film or want to review the sequence of events, please see Wikipedia.
Below is a conversation from the film between Ila (Emma Watson) and Noah (Russell Crowe). Click the link to watch this scene on YouTube.
Ila says, “I have to know. Why did you spare them?”Noah answers, “I looked down on those two little girls and all I had in my heart was love.”
Ila: “Then why are you alone, Noah? Why are you separated from your family?”
Noah: “Because I failed Him. And I failed all of you.”
Ila: “Did you…?”
Ila: “He chose you for a reason, Noah. He showed you the wickedness of man and knew you would not look away. But then you saw goodness, too. The choice was put in your hands because He put it there. He asked you to decide if we were worth saving. And you chose mercy. You chose love. He has given us a second chance. Be a father. Be a grandfather. Help us to do better this time. Help us start again.”
Today’s purpose does not encourage a Biblical accuracy debate. Its goal is a simple catalyst for thought.
In this production, Noah believes the flood was designed to wipe out all humanity, never to be seen again. He was convinced that allowing his newly born twin granddaughters to live would displease God. With the birth of these little girls, procreation would continue, and future generations would certainly follow. Human propensity for corruption, hatred, and greed would be there for the ride. In Noah's eyes, what then would have been the purpose for the flood?
Current Times, 2026
Lately, I've wondered if our Creator might, once again, be thinking a lot about water. For the sake of brevity, I’ll just ask a few questions.
We typically apply this concept to our treks through our national parks and even into local woods, streams, and grasslands. For the benefit of those who follow us, we are tasked to leave nature as we find it. We are to preserve and protect. This easily applies to our trek through life.
If we were graded on this concept, would we pass the test?
The Golden Rule
It's simple. Treat others as you expect others to treat you.
What might we find on our report card?
The Hippocratic Oath
The Latin phrase, “primum non nocere," means "First, do no harm."
If we applied this fully to our lives, would we get a passing grade?
Here we are asked to leave our campsite better than we found it. Of course, it’s no stretch to make it a rule for living.
Same question: Pass? Or fail?
Yeah. I agree that we could do much better. Given our low grades, there is a new question to be considered.
Do we deserve another chance, or should we start taking swimming lessons?
Genesis 9:11-13
“Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
With His mercy, we have already been given another chance. The promise says that it will not be necessary to tread water indefinitely. We can cancel our order for water-wings.
But we ARE under a mandate to take care of the earth, animals, plants, birds, and each other. Let’s continually re-evaluate our answers to the questions asked. Let’s not blow it again.
- Leave no trace
- The Golden Rule
- The Hippocratic Oath
- Leave everything better than we found it.
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