Tag: Noah’s Ark

Opening Up (to God first)

On February 21, 2014

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

Genesis 8: 13 reads “And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.”

What caught my attention was that Noah removed the covering of the ark and I wondered as to why this was the case. Obviously the Lord had shut the one door (Genesis 7:16) which means that Noah did not have the key to open the door, but would it not have been easier for Noah to open a side of the ark, for the ark had already rested on top of a mountain (Genesis 8:4), and the waters were dried up from the earth (Genesis 8:13-14)? What could be the reasons why Noah opened the top (covering) of the ark, before seeing the dry ground (firm foundation) on which he could stand? Your guess is as best as mine and we would never know until we see him in the city built by God and possibly ask him (Hebrews 11:7,10).

Although we do not know the reason why Noah opened the covering on top, there is a lesson, I believe, we could extrapolate from this incident. We must first open up to God, to the maker of the heavens and the earth, when we are in the ark. God first, then comes our mission of going forth of the ark.

Points to ponder:
We must open up to God for guidance and direction, first, when we are in Christ Jesus, the Ark, before looking around and seeing the firm foundation on which we can stand, and going forth with Christ in us. This not only applies for full time or part time missionaries, but to each Christ follower. Have you opened up (to God first)?

Genesis 8:13-14 (KJV)
13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
14 And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried.

The Ark lifted up (above all the earth)

By Mano Paul

On February 5, 2014

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus)

Genesis 7:27 states that during the flood in Noah’s time, the waters increased (filled the whole earth covering the highest of mountains) and bore the ark up and lifted it above the earth.

The Bible says that the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover (fills) the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). Jesus Christ is the Ark of salvation for all of mankind, for whoever is/abides in him, by faith, shall not perish like those who were outside the ark that Noah built for God (John 3:16, Genesis 7:23). Jesus willing chose and submitted himself to the will of God and became obedient, even unto death (Philippians 2:8). So, God exalted (lifted) him up and gave him a Name that is above all names – at whose name the entire world shall bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

Points to ponder:
The waters bore the ark up and lifted it above all the earth. With the knowledge of the glory of God, evident in Jesus Christ, do we lift him up above all other things in our life?

Genesis 7:17-24 (KJV)
17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.
18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
21 And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:
22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.
23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.

Seed and Sacrifice

By Mano Paul

On January 9, 2014

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Jesus in the N.T., Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

Children’s books that give the account of Noah and the ark he built, often depict the animals going into the ark two by two. Seldom do any of them make the distinction that there were seven pairs of clean beasts and the fowls of the air, both male and female, while there was only one pair of unclean beasts, both male and female that entered the ark.

Some speculate that it was for the sustenance of Noah and his family, but there is a fallacy in this conjecture as meat was not given unto man for food until after the flood (Genesis 9:4). So if the clean beasts and clean fowls were not for sustenance, why were they to be taken into the ark, in more numbers than the unclean ones.

The Bible says that God wanted the seed to be alive on the face of the earth (Genesis 7:3). It was also necessary to worship God by offering him a sacrifice, when the time was due (Genesis 4:3) and so if there was only pair of clean beasts and clean fowl in the ark, there would have been none left for the seed to be alive after they were sacrifice.

Having seven pairs of clean beasts ensured that even after a sacrifice was made (Genesis 8:20), there was still that kind of beast available for replenishing the earth to keep that seed alive.

Though the distinction of clean and unclean beasts was not given until the time of the Levitical law (Leviticus 11) during the time of Moses and Aaron, from Genesis 4:4 we see that God had certain expectations of what a sacrifice to him should be like – one like that of Abel and not as that of Cain.

Points to ponder:
God wants us his seed to be alive in Christ Jesus, the Ark of God, but he also expects us to worship him by sacrificing ourselves as a living sacrifice that is clean i.e., pleasing and acceptable unto the Lord (Romans 12:1-2). Would you consider your life clean? In other words, have you been washed by the shed blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ?

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully resting in his grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood, in the soul cleansing blood of the lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

If not, “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18).

Genesis 7:2-3 (KJV)
2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

Genesis 8:20 (KJV)
20 And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The Ark of Love – “expressed”

By Mano Paul

On January 2, 2014

In Christian, Genesis, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

When God commanded Noah to build an ark, the Bible says that Noah did ALL that the Lord commanded him (Genesis 6:22). In other words, Noah loved God. We can deduce this from Jesus’ words – “If you love me, [you will] keep [do] my commandments.” (John 14:15). To love God is to DO ALL that he commands us to i.e., express our faith in action.

Points to ponder:
Noah loved God and built an ark for the salvation of God’s creatures. God so loved the world that he made his Only begotten Son, the Ark, that whosoever abides in him, shall not be drowned in sin and death, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Because of his love, God made Jesus, the Ark of Love, for the salvation of God’s creation – including you and me.

Genesis 6:22 (KJV)
22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

John 14:15 (KJV)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

James 1:22 (KJV)
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: Kept Alive

By Mano Paul

On December 30, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it, pitch it inside and out and then explicitly gave Noah the fashion (dimensions) in which Noah was to build the ark. Additionally, God told Noah that he was to make ‘A’ window and finish it on top and instructs Noah that he was to set ‘The Door’ in the side of the ark. God then tells Noah that he ought to make three stories in the ark – a lower story, a second and third story.

Many speculate as to the significance of these three stories and one common explanation is that it could possibly be a reference to the Triune nature of God. While this is not entirely implausible, it must be understood that this is merely conjecture as it is not supported by Biblical references explicitly. However, one thing is true, irrespective of which story Noah of the residents of the ark were housed, as long as they were in the ark, they were kept alive.

Points to ponder:
Only if you and I are in Christ and Christ Jesus is in us (John 15:4), can we be kept alive from God’s impending judgment. It does not matter what level of your relationship you are in with Christ – whether you are a new believer who has just entered through the door (like the repentant thief on the Cross) in the lower story, or if you are a maturing Christian in the second story, or if you are a mature Christian in the third story in a close walk with God (as was Enoch, the seventh from Adam), as long as you are inside Jesus Christ, the Ark, you shall be saved. Are you assured that you shall be kept alive?

Genesis 6:16-21 (KJV)
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.
19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.|
20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.
21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

John 15:4 (KJV)
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: God’s Door

By Mano Paul

On December 23, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it, pitch it inside and out and then explicitly gave Noah the fashion (dimensions) in which Noah was to build the ark. Additionally, God told Noah that he was to make ‘A’ window and finish it on top. Then God instructs Noah that he was to set ‘The Door’ in the side of the ark. Notice how God instructs Noah to only set ‘One’ door and also explicitly specifies the location of the door, which is on the side.

Points to ponder:
Jesus said, I am ‘The Door’ and if any man enter in by him, he shall be saved (John 10:7, 9). The Bible records that after Jesus had died on the Cross, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with his spear and out came blood and water. Did you notice, how the Bible explicitly records the location of the place where Jesus’ body was speared. It was on the side, the same as was the location where Noah was to set the door on the Ark. All those who entered in by the door on the side of the ark were saved from God’s judgment. Jesus is the Ark of God – He is The Door – only those who believe in him (enter into God’s kingdom by him) shall be saved from God’s impending Judgment. Have you entered in by Jesus – God’s Door?

Genesis 6:16 (KJV)
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

John 10:7-9 (KJV)
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

John 19:34 (KJV)
34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: God’s Window

By Mano Paul

On December 18, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it, pitch it inside and out and then explicitly gave Noah the fashion (dimensions) in which Noah was to build the ark. Additionally, God told Noah that he was to make ‘A’ window. The dictionary defines a window as “an opening in the wall of a building, the side of a vehicle, etc., for the admission of air or light“. This window that God was asking Noah to make in the ark was to be a cubit in dimension and it was to be finished above (on top). Notice, not only the singularity of the window, but also its position and its completeness (finished). There was to be ‘A’ window and it was to be finished on top, implying that there was only one window, that was finished (complete) and it was made in a place above which would require Noah and his family (and the other creatures in the ark) to have to look up for their source of light and life (air). I also believe that God was making sure that Noah and his family (and the other creatures in the ark) looked up to him and not focus on the stormy situation around them during the flood.

Points to ponder:
Jesus said, if you have seen me, you have seen God the Father (John 14:9). He is the portal – the Window – the Only Window – through whom, we can see God. We should not focus on the stormy situations of our lives, but instead, we must look up at Jesus and through him to light our life and redeem it from all darkness (sin). We must look at Jesus for the very breath of life, for only in Jesus, is found life – not just abundantly (John 10:10), but everlasting as well (John 3:16). As the writer to the Hebrews state, we must be constantly “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (note: A window was to be finished above), who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down (seated) at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus is God’s Window! Is Jesus on top of your life and mine?

Genesis 6:16 (KJV)
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

John 14:9 (KJV)
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

John 10:10 (KJV)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 3:16-17 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus Christ – The Ark :: God’s Fashion

By Mano Paul

On December 17, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Jesus Christ - The Ark, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

This article is part of the series, Jesus Christ – The Ark, where in we learn of Noah’s ark as a pre-type of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, as The One and Only Ark to save mankind.

God told Noah to build the ark with gopher wood and make rooms in it, pitch it inside and out and then explicitly gave Noah the fashion in which Noah was to build the ark. The Bible states God’s instruction was “And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. (Genesis 6:15)” Augustine of Hippo (13 Nov 354 to 28 August 43), who is known to many in Christendom for his writings and development of Western Christianity, pens in his acclaimed and notable book, De Civitate Dei contra Paganos (meaning The City of God against the Pagans), the following in Latin which when translated is – “For even its [ark’s] very dimensions, in length, breadth, and height, represent the human body in which He [Jesus] came, as it had been foretold. For the length of the human body, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, is six times its breadth from side to side, and ten times its depth or thickness, measuring from back to front: that is to say, if you measure a man as he lies on his back or on his face, he is six times as long from head to foot as he is broad from side to side, and ten times as long as he is high from the ground. And therefore the ark was made 300 cubits in length, 50 in breadth, and 30 in height.”

Points to ponder:
God’s fashion for the ark to save mankind was to made with certain measurements, that symbolically could be represented by the human frame (six times from head to food (300 cubits) as he is broad from side to side (50 cubits) and ten times (30 cubits) as long as he is high from the ground). Jesus Christ, God’s Son was made of a woman with a human frame (Galatians 4:4) to redeem all and adopt them into God’s family (Galatians 4:4-7). Jesus lay down his life on a ‘wood’-en Cross, willingly (John 10:17-18), with his back pressed against the Cross, so that all who enter in by him (John 10:9) shall be saved and no longer perish (John 3:16). Jesus is the Ark, God’s fashion for the salvation of all creatures.

Genesis 6:15 (KJV)
15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

Galatians 4:4-7 (KJV)
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

John 10:15-18 (KJV)
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

No matter what – I will obey

By Mano Paul

On October 5, 2009

In Christian, No matter what

Many decisions that ought to be taken are not taken due to one of the following reasons:
1. we try to rationalize the situation assuming that our finite and limited human minds has infinite comprehension and abilities or
2. we think of the consequences of the decision and are paralyzed for fear of life or fear of being ridiculed.

In today’s text, taken from Genesis 6-9, we will look at Noah, who chose to obey NO MATTER WHAT.

As a backdrop to this character, Noah was commanded by God to build an ark that would become the means for Salvation of his family and all living things that God had created, from a flood that God said he would destroy the world with, as a punishment for its wickedness and violence. This command would seem absurd to say the least, since there was no account of rain before the flood. The closest thing to rain is the watering of the earth with a mist the came from the ground (Genesis 2:6), but this is not explicitly indicative of rain or flood. For a man to be building an ark when rain had never before been seen (Hebrews 11: 7) and the concept of a flood not witnessed before then, would certainly give reasons for ridicule, especially if he was also claiming that he was doing so as in obedience to God. Noah nonetheless obeyed NO MATTER WHAT one would think of him.

If Noah had rationalized or thought of the consequences of being ridiculed, he and his family would have ended up like anyone else – unsaved and dead. His act of obedience, trusting in God’s faithfulness, not only saved all who were brought into the ark but also earned him an entry into the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:7), and his obedience in God gave him the title as ‘preacher of righteousness’. (2 Peter 2:5). Only in Jesus, the ark of our Salvation is life and all who place their trust in Jesus, as the savior of the world, are saved from God’s wrath and punishment of death.

Points to ponder:

What is God asking of you and me today in the area of obeying Him at His word?
Can we take the step to obey implicitly, without rationalizing or thinking of the consequences, even if we will be ridiculed; Can we obey NO MATTER WHAT?

Air – the Breath of Life

By Mano Paul

On August 14, 2009

In Christian, The Elements

As we continue our series on The Elements, lets see how the element ‘air’ reflects the wondrous and incredible attributes of God and what is it that we can learn from it.

Ask a child to define ‘air’ and they are likely to tell you that it is what we cannot see but we know it is there because we feel it; it is what we breathe or it is what we need to live. The National Center for Atmospheric Research operated through the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research has this to say in their kids site “Stuff in the Sky” when answering the question, What is air? “The atmosphere surrounding Earth is full of air! Air is important for life on Earth. Plants and animals need air to survive”.

The Bible tells us that the spirit of God hath made us and the breath of the Almighty hath given us life (Job 33:4). In the creation of man, the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (and you can say life giving air) and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). It is said of Noah’s ark there in it was the breath of life (Genesis 7:15).

Just as we all need to breath air to live ephemerally in our physical state, so also we ALL need THE BREATH OF LIFE (Jesus Christ) to live eternally in our spiritual state. Just as the atmosphere surrounding the earth is full of air, Jesus Christ surrounds all of creation (not just the earth) for by Him all things consists (Colossians 1:17). Jesus is not just someone in the sky (heaven) but He is omnipresent, surrounding each one of us. Even if you cannot see Him (because of the impurity of the heart), you know He is there, because you feel His presence. Just as everyone who was inside Noah’s ark, survived destruction and death, so also everyone who is in God (THE ARK) wherein is THE BREATH OF LIFE (Jesus) will survive damnation and eternal death.

Do you know Jesus to be YOUR Breath of Life (there is no other)? Do you feel His presence? Are you in the Ark of God wherein is Jesus, the life giving AIR? Jesus is THE ELEMENT, the AIR that gives Life.

Tag: Noah’s Ark

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