Revelations 3:8, “behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it”.
God has pronounced judgment on the world due to sin and violence that filled the earth. When Judgment Day came, Noah moved into the ark as instructed and God shut them in. They could not leave nor could anyone else get in after the flood rains began. God had warned them judgment was coming. Because Noah believed and trusted God, was provided for with plenty of food and safety. God kept them.
I’m reminded of a documentary where it was reported that prior to the Titanic sailing for the first time, someone reportedly commented, God Himself could not sink this ship because of the way it was built. Well, God did not build it and it sank killing more than half on the boat.
But the ark that carried Noah and his family, and the animals God instructed to bring, did not and could not sink. In fact, God gave Noah the dimensions how to build the ark. The ark is presented not just as a Bible story, but as a real, historical ship that survived the flood.
The ark is a symbol of protection, and just as God shut Noah and the others in, Believers are “shut in” Christ, keeping them safe, metaphorically preventing them from sinking. Psalms 37:23-24, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”
Designed by God to be unsinkable and was safely elevated as the floodwaters rose covering the highest mountains while those inside were kept secure from destruction.. Not just a boat but a vessel of preservation that protected Noah’s family, with the waters breaking against it while they were secured inside.
Noah, his family, and the animals were in the ark for 1 year and 10 days. Being in it saved their lives!
The flood waters ended. God told them to go out. Genesis 8:15-18, “Then God spoke to Noah, saying, “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you, birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So that they may abound on the earth and be fruitful and multiply on the earth. So, Noah went out.”
Something to think about: Noah could have been afraid to go out after such a long time. Fear could have been attached to that ark. Familiarity. They had lived securely in that ship over a year and maybe could have heard the screams of the people outside. Or just their imagination could reveal to them what possibly was going on outside. After this time, God told them to go out. Move forward!
At times, individuals may become accustomed to familiar routines, opting for security even when such familiarity does not bring satisfaction. Even when people feel unhappy, they frequently hold back from making changes. Instead, people may remain in their current circumstances, expressing dissatisfaction and rationalizing the status quo as unchangeable.
You need to release the hands you’re holding so that new people can enter your life. Avoid clinging to things or individuals that God once sent to help you. God brings different people into your life at various times and for specific reasons.
Know your season. Jesus is saying get out of the boat, focus on Him, and COME! He’s got you! He won’t let go! Take one step at a time in trust. But don’t look back or down. Keep your eyes on Him. See Him holding His hands out to you. See Him upholding you with His righteous right hand.
On the other side, there is a whole new beginning!
Marguerite Wafula