Today has been a busy day. I know this because I’m only writing this blog post now, late in the evening, despite knowing this morning what I wanted to write. I’m sure it has been a busy day for all of you as we approach the hour of the lockdown. There are just so many things to sort out, to go and buy, family and friends to visit before not seeing them in person for nearly a month. The stores have been chaotic – so much for social distancing!
All this hustle and bustle made me think of how it must have been like for Noah and his family getting everything ready on the ark before the rains hit. Sure, it took a long time to build the ark, but the loading of the pairs of animals only happened in the 7 days before the rains fell (Gen 7:6-10). There must have been a lot of frantic activity on the ark, making sure everything was ready. Did they have enough food for all the animals? Was there enough food for the family? Did they buy enough toilet paper?!?
As the day approached, and Noah and his family thought about the long period of time they would be cooped up in the ark floating. I’m sure there was a great deal of apprehension, doubt, even fear. Scholar’s reckon that the family and all the animals spent about a year in the ark! The 40 days and nights was merely the period of constant rain and flooding. It took a long time for the waters to finally recede after they had wiped out all life on earth. In that light maybe 21 days isn’t so bad…
Here’s the amazing thing though. When the family and all the animals were on board. When the rains and floods started. It was God who closed the door, who shut them in safe and sound:
13 On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark. 14 They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings. 15 Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark. 16 The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord shut him in, (Genesis 7:13-16).
It’s such a small detail. One we might even miss in reading the account. And yet it is worth taking special note of it. To me it speaks of God’s tender care for us, His people. God personally shut them in the ark, like a parent tucks in their child ensuring they are safe and warm. It’s reminder that we are loved by God and He will look after us. So if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the flood of all that is happening in our country, in our world. Know that God is the God who takes special care of us. He’ll “tuck us in” and keep us safe. Like Noah and his family, we should place our trust in the Lord.
God Bless
Graham
Thank you, once again, for your beautiful writing and thoughtful message. Your blog posts are so reassuring in these difficult times. God bless your leadership and faithfulness. Stay strong.
With love, in Christ
C