January 3
Genesis 7 -- 9
The Lord said to Noah, Come and all your house into the ark (Genesis 7:1). Noah was able to save his family and preserve mankind because his faith in the spoken Word of God led him to build the ark. During the many years spent in constructing the ark, he was also known as a preacher of righteousness in an ungodly world (II Peter 2:5). This illustrates the New Testament truth that faith without works is dead (meaningless) (James 2:26). The ark was a secure refuge from certain death; it was also a type of Christ, who provides spiritual refuge for believers. Christ, our spiritual Ark, is calling to the lost today: Come unto Me . . . and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
All who, by faith, receive Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives have the assurance that by grace you are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, Jesus also said: Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the Vine; no more can you, except you abide in Me. . . . If You keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love (John 15:4,10).
For Noah and his family, there came a day, prior to the flood, when they were told to enter the ark, and the Lord shut him in (Genesis 7:16). This is a reminder that now is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2). All who are waiting for a more convenient time to be saved need to realize that no one knows on what day his door of opportunity will be shut forever. This is illustrated in the New Testament by the five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:2-5), who delayed preparing to meet the bridegroom. Later, they knocked at the door, pleading: Lord, Lord, open to us (25:11). Because they came too late, their appeal was followed by the warning: Watch (be prepared) therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man comes (25:13).
Just as Noah was able to rest within the ark, secure from the waters of death, so we can be assured of spiritual rest, for our lives are hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) and kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (I Peter 1:5). As soon as he was once more on dry land, Noah built an altar to the Lord . . . and offered burnt offerings on the altar (Genesis 8:20). The obedience of faith and the worship of God go hand in hand. Noah's obedience was blessed exceedingly, and he left an example for us to follow. Just as he was not given an exact day when the flood would come, neither do we know the day of our Lord's return.
Of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. . . . Therefore be you also ready (Matthew 24:36-39,44).
Word Studies:
7:3 keep seed alive = to preserve the species; 7:18 face = surface; 8:1 assuaged = subsided; 8:3 abated = disappeared; 9:3 meat = food; 9:19 overspread = populated.
BPM Staff: Letha Hash · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Shortwave Radio Outreach · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in memory of Billy Jackson, Sr. · Country: Poland (38 million) in eastern Europe · Major language: Polish · Religious freedom · 87% Roman Catholic; 1% Eastern Orthodox; .5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself, pray, and seek the will of God as you read His Word (II Chronicles 7:14).
Optional Reading:
Matthew 3
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 1:1