The Ark

“Go into the ark, you and your whole household, because I have found you righteous in this generation.” (Genesis 7:1)

Have you ever travelled by boat? Rowing on the calm waters of a quiet lake or taking a river cruise can be a wonderful experience. Even the landscape looks much more beautiful from there. However, boarding an ocean liner is a completely different experience. The sight of the seemingly endless ocean and the unpredictable length of the journey can create fear. In such a situation, the only source of safety is the ship itself, because as long as we are on board, we are protected. During the time of the flood, the ark was this kind of safety and refuge for Noah and his family. Today we will read about this saving ark.
The Hebrew name for the ark is tevah. This word appears only twice in the Old Testament: it is also the name of the little boat or basket made of reeds in which the infant Moses was placed among the reeds on the bank of the Nile. In both cases, it was a vessel that saved life from deadly danger. In Christianity, the ark became a symbol of the church, because the church is also God’s instrument through which He carries people from death into life. In the ark, humans and animals could live side by side: wolf and lamb together.
Dear Christian brother and sister! Do you feel that sometimes your own life also seems to be placed on the waves of endless oceans? Sometimes we sail in the waters of success, while at other times we struggle to stay above the surface, lost in the sea of troubles. Whatever situation you may be in today, Noah’s ark has a message for you:
“1. Do not miss the boat!
2. Remember: we are all in the same boat!
3. Plan ahead! It was not raining when Noah built the ark.
4. Keep yourself in good condition! When you are sixty, someone may ask you to do something great.
5. Build your future high!
6. For your safety, always travel in pairs!
7. Speed is not always what matters. The snail and the leopard are in the same boat.
8. If you are stressed, float for a while!
9. Remember: the ark was built by amateurs, but the Titanic was built by professionals.
10. Do not worry about criticism! Just do the work that must be done!
11. No matter how great the storm is, if you are with God, a rainbow will always be waiting for you at the end.” (Author unknown) Amen.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the ark of the Church. Please carry our families in the ship of Your providence! Amen.
 

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