After the flood receded, as related in Genesis, Noah needed to know when it was safe to leave the ark. So, he sent out two kinds of birds: a raven; and a dove. (Genesis 8:6-8) The raven never returned. As a scavenger, it found plenty of dead carcasses and decay floating around, so it was content feeding on the remains of the old world.
But the dove was different.
The first time she went out, “the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him.” (Genesis 8:9) Seven days later, she came back with a freshly plucked olive branch, clear proof of new life. The third time, she didn’t return at all. But she had brought back a sign to Noah: an olive branch, which meant it was safe to leave the Ark.
The story of the flood points us to something much bigger, but before we dive into that, let’s look at the three kinds of arks in the Bible and how each one is a picture of how God preserves and protects His people:
- Noah’s ark was a vessel of preservation that carried Noah and his family through the flood of judgment that all humanity deserved. Noah was the only person God called “righteous,” and thus, his whole household was saved by grace.
- Moses’ ark, a little basket coated with pitch, was another vessel of preservation. The same Hebrew word is used. It kept baby Moses safe from Pharaoh’s wrath so he could one day deliver God’s people.
- The Ark of the Covenant was the vessel that contained the law, but it was covered by the mercy seat, where the sacrificial blood of the lamb was sprinkled. What a picture of the presence of our righteous God, whose justice was completely satisfied by His love so we could be reconciled to Him!
All three of the arks point us to Jesus, our Savior, who paid the ultimate price for our reconciliation to God. Noah’s ark had only one door, a picture of Christ. Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved.” (John 10:9 ) He also said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Jesus is the only way into the safety of the Father’s presence. Once inside, there is now “no condemnation” for those who are born into the family of God. (Romans 8:1)
When we are saved by Jesus, we are filled with His Spirit and empowered to live in His presence. He keeps our soul and spirit secure because we now have His spiritual genetics. (1 John 3:9) Our soul finds its only peace and rest in salvation through our Savior. Interestingly enough, Noah’s ark is also a picture of rest. Noah’s name even means “rest.” The ark was a place of safety, yet it had no rudder and no propulsion, so Noah had to trust God completely to guide it. That’s how God wants us to live—”rudderlessly”, depending on Him instead of trying to steer everything ourselves.
When we are living in Christ, we are free from the constraints of trusting our own limited perspective, and we can allow Him to be our guide. We are free from the anxiety of death because we have been saved from eternal judgment and separation from God. The Holy Spirit resides in us and desires to lead us in our true purpose: to glorify God. He does not lead us to feast on the death and decay around us. And because He lives in us, it is safe for us to step out of the “ark” —to move forward in our daily lives, our relationships, our work, and even into spiritual battles. God gives us His armor, and the Spirit gives us His fruit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
God’s Spirit, like a dove, will lead us to glorify God in our journey through this broken world.
This is real-life stuff! Like when we’re frustrated with our spouse, kids, or a coworker, and our old nature wants to feed on resentment, the Spirit leads us to forgive. When we get stressed and are tempted to escape into our phones or other distractions, the Spirit pulls us back to prayer and God’s Word, where we find peace and rest. In seasons of waiting or when we’re facing temptation, the Spirit gives us the ability to step forward without fear, because we’re not relying on our own strength and wisdom.
When we are born again and the Holy Spirit lives in us, we can learn to follow Him, just like Noah and his family followed the dove out of the Ark. The olive branch has been given. It’s safe to go—safe to live, love, and serve in this broken world because we are covered by Christ, and His Spirit is our Comforter and guide. When we surrender to Christ for salvation, our soul and spirit are made alive in Him, and the old nature is put to death. We have new life in Christ, and He gives us the immeasurable gifts of His mind and attitudes! The Bible reminds us:
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are my Ark, my safety, rest, and protection. Thank You that when I trusted You, You gave me Your Holy Spirit to live inside me. Forgive me for the times I’ve let the old nature take over and have fed on the unhealthy rot of this world. Holy Spirit, help me today to listen to You. Lead me in Your peace and rest in the midst of this broken world. Give me courage to follow You in every area of my life, irrespective of my circumstances. I love You, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
