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The story of Noah and the Flood is one of the first Bible stories taught to young children. Having every kind of animal on a boat with only Noah and his family to care for them, while a flood destroys everything else, is pretty remarkable. The rainbow, representing God’s promise to never destroy His creation again with flood waters, captures the attention of the children. They grasp the idea of a loving God who wants to preserve His children and the fact that we can count on God’s promises to remain true.
Today, as I read this passage, six words at the end of verse 16 in chapter seven stood out in a new way. “And the LORD shut him in.” Even though the entire story reflects miracle after miracle, this final act of closing the door to the ark is key to how it was sealed in preparation of the flood. God, Himself, shut and sealed the door. This was God’s power, executing God’s plan. This representation is critical to understanding God’s salvation.
First, we see that the Lord is saving life from judgment. It reminds us that God has promised to preserve those He has saved. This is a symbol of His ability to keep those He has saved. A promise to both Noah and to us.
Second, when every life meant to be saved was on board the ark, God, not Noah, shut the door. This security wasn’t earned by something Noah had done. He was justified by faith. God counted that faith as righteousness. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1.
Just as the Lord sealed the ark to protect those inside, the Holy Spirit seals believers as a promise of our salvation. Let us not grow weary in well-doing as we continue to share the good news of Christ to those around us. Only God knows when the opportunity of salvation will end and He will shut the door.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for Your promise of salvation to those who believe. Help me recognize the opportunities to share the gospel with others.
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