Ark of Righteousness
Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. – Genesis 6:14
Today’s (5/12/2021) headlines are horrific. According to reports, the United States had at least eleven mass shootings this weekend that took at least seventeen lives and wounded thirty-five. Considering all acts of gun violence over the seventy-two-hour period, about 117 people were killed and 303 were injured in this country alone. There is a war brewing in the Middle East, there is social unrest in various places throughout the world, and we are still battling the pandemic. Even if you are not directly affected, the stories and images through the media are disturbing.
Yet, the people of God are not without hope. Please consider Noah. Because of his righteousness, he and others were spared when God judged and destroyed everybody and everything else in the world. Just like him, we build a spiritual ark when we live a life of righteousness and obedience before God. (Genesis 6:22 – 7:1) Then, when trouble comes, we have a place of refuge. We find security during chaos. Our hearts and prayers are with all those who are negatively affected in any way. But we must thank God for shielding us. Here are three benefits of being in right-relationship with Him:
He will prepare you for what is coming. (Genesis 6:13-21) This is one reason that obedience is so important. Sometimes, God’s commands do not make sense. However, He knows what is ahead. Following His instructions puts us in position for whatever the future holds.
He will protect and keep you through any trouble. (Genesis 7:23) God is all-powerful and the creator of all things. Nothing happens that He does not allow. No matter what the circumstances may be, He is in control and knows how to keep those who belong to Him. (Psalms 91)
No matter what is lost, He will enable you to start again and be restored. (Genesis 9:1-3) In Noah’s case, everybody and everything had been destroyed except who and what was in the ark. Yet, through God they were able to start again. If He did it for him, surely, He will do it for us.
So, despite what we see with our natural eyes let us not lose sight of our place in God. There is peace in the storm. As the prophet Jeremiah prophesied to the Israelites when they were in captivity, we can continue to live. (Jeremiah 29:4-6) We have no reason to worry or fear. We are in the ark of safety. However, unlike Noah’s ark, this one is still open and available for all who want to enter. Commit to God’s will and you can come into His protection.