Have you ever considered living in a world where every inclination of mankind’s heart was evil. A world where no matter how long and how hard you searched there was not a righteous man to be found. It’s not too difficult to look back in time and imagine a world overrun by liars, thieves, blasphemers and murderers, a world in rebellion to God. This was the world in which a radically different man named Noah lived. The Bible says that Noah was a righteous man (Genesis 6:9) in a generation where evil abounded. He warned people to turn from their wicked ways and to put their trust in God. Yet regardless of the wrath and judgment that God was about to unleash in the greatest catastrophic event the world had ever seen, very few listened.
While the earth was still dry God commanded Noah to build a great ark. In faith Noah obeyed. He was given very detailed instructions down to the last cubit (Hebrew form of measurement) of just how the ark was to be built. It is said to have held approximately 32,000 species of animals. It was made of buoyant gopher wood and covered inside and out with pitch, which made it watertight and quite seaworthy. Interestingly enough the Hebrew word used in the Bible for pitch is “Kopher” which translated means “atonement” or “covering”. In the same way that God by His grace provided an atoning covering for the ark in order to save all of those inside of it, He would one day provide Jesus Christ as the atonement and covering for our sins for all of us who abide in Him.
Throughout the ages and despite our own depravity God has shown His grace and mercy to us all. But it is also true that He will not hold out his arms to an unwilling world forever. The LORD said, My Spirit will not contend with man forever (Genesis 6:3) There is a day
coming when the door will permanently shut as it did upon the ark of God’s salvation when God will unleash his righteous wrath upon those who have not put their trust in Christ the Savior.
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved (John 10:9)
When we abide in Christ we are safely secured no matter how fierce the tempest rages, or how hard we are battered by the waves of this life. Have you given your life to Christ and entered into His all encompassing love and shelter? Don’t wait until the door is shut.
For more insight into the geological evidence of the flood please visit: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n4/geologic-evidences-part-one
Really powerful image with the stormy seas and the lightning working as a metaphor for those rebellious times. Nice job! I’m looking forward to seeing future posts.
Great devotion! I really enjoyed learning about the ‘pitch’ and it’s translation. I may have to use that in a sermon sometime (I will give your credit)
Keep it up. I am going to forward the site to some friends.
Matthew 8:26
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
And so it is that we all experience those troubled times that we may look to the LORD for refuge….FN
Good job. Is the John 10:9 reference a direct quotation or a paraphrase?
Hello Mr. Strickland,
Thanks for your comment and question. The verse is a quotation from the New King James version.
Hey UF, thanks for your comment and Bible verse. Isn’t it amazing that we can find peace as Noah did amidst all of the chaos of this life? That is the peace that Jesus speaks into our lives just as He commanded the wind and waves of the storm. His Perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
Hey Emory, thanks for your comment and your enthusiasm to preach and teach the Word. I’ve learned so much from you and your ministry. I consider myself truly blessed to know you. Thanks for your encouragement.
Hey Chris,
Thanks for checking out the new blog. I’ve really enjoyed yours in the past. Great new photo segment on the hidden corners of NYC, love the headlines too. Keep up the good work. Your bro-
Spurgeon has some great insight into “I am the Door” in his evening/morning devotions. We have been given access into the grace upon which we stand, access through The Door!