Encountering the Ark

“It’s bigger than imagination.” – Ark Encounter Slogan

Two weeks ago our family drove out to Williamstown, Kentucky where we walked through Noah’s Ark.  No, I’m not kidding!  

Ark Encounter, a theme park that opened in July 2016, features the largest replica of Noah’s Ark that exists in the world today.  The construction is built to biblical proportions, and is so massive that it takes an entire day to walk through it.  Seeing this ark – which is made from actual gopher wood and looks and feels much like the actual ark must have – brings the biblical narrative to life and answers countless questions that skeptics have about this historical account.  

Look at the details of this beautiful structure with an artist’s eye, however, and you will find that Noah’s Ark was not only practical and functional, but dripping with symbolism.

Size Does Matter

As I hiked through the gigantic ark – which measures 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high – I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of it.  No wonder it took Noah a century to build it!  There was absolutely enough space to house two of every animal species – especially if baby animals were selected and since all the variations within each species had not branched off from the original ancestors yet.  

But what really impressed me was how much empty space I found within the ark.  Skeptics often feel angry that only Noah’s family was spared, but God built the Ark with more than enough room for anyone who wished to get on board.  Noah preached to the public for 100 years, and it was their choice not to board the vessel.  If only they had listened, they could have found safety within those wooden walls!

The Beauty of Practical Design

The Ark – built to God’s specifications – was a marvel in technological design.  Along with animal cages and human living quarters, it seems to have included shafts which let in sunlight, fresh air (with an impressive circulation system I might add), and built-in “poop ramps” that would have made it easier to dispose of animal waste. 

God, you see, thought of everything.  In the way He directed the Ark to be built, He took care of problems the passengers didn’t even know they would have.  Isn’t this just like God – to take care of our needs before we even think to ask?  What an incredible God we serve!

The Message of the One Door

If you read Genesis 6, you might notice something funny.  Despite all the animals that would enter the Ark, God only built one door!  Every single creature who would survive the Flood had to enter through that one door.

This door was an arrow pointing straight to Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the Door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9).  Just like in Noah’s day, judgment is coming (God couldn’t overlook the world’s atrocities and remain guiltless, could He?).  Anyone who wishes to escape destruction must enter through Jesus – the One Door.

A Vacation to Remember

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many places, but this is one visit I will never forget.  If you’re looking for a family friendly vacation that is exciting, educational, spiritually uplifting, and memorable, then I highly recommend this experience!  Find out more at:

www.arkencounter.com