Readings: Genesis 6:9-11:32; Isaiah 54:1-55:5; Matthew 24:36-46; 1 Peter 3:18-22

Looking at the state of our world we may feel that we are living in the days of Noah again. But in the midst of end time storms and growing darkness, like Noah we may know the ark of God's protection.

The Ark of Salvation

This week's readings teach us about God's patience, mercy and covenant faithfulness for those who will trust him, and his eventual judgement for those who will not.
Traditional Christian interpretation views the ark of Noah as a type, or illustration, of the salvation Jesus brings. Our reading from Isaiah echoes this, reminding us of the breadth of God's faithfulness and compassion for his people Israel, despite their perfidy:

'This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you. For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Verse 10 above is echoed in Romans 8:38-39, where Paul declares that nothing in all creation is able to separate us from the love of God, found in Christ Jesus.

Noah an Example

God's covenant people and those who join with them by faith are protected by his endless love and mercy. Their example in faith and obedience is Noah, as Hebrews 11:7 says:
By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

There is a proto-gospel in this story: Noah simply trusts and obeys God and is saved. However, "as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man" (Luke 17:26-27): for those who reject God's free offer of salvation, sudden and unexpected judgement awaits.

God always punishes sin, but he also rescues from among the corrupt those who are righteous (2 Pet 2:5-9). So we need not fear, even in the midst of destruction. We are safe in the ark of God's loving-kindness and covenant faithfulness. Our inheritance is a city built of precious stones:

O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires. (Isa 54:11)

Joining with Israel

Isaiah speaks of nations (Gentiles) coming to the God of Israel and to his people. The Gentile church has come to the God of Israel, but many claim we supersede Israel in God's plans and purposes. However, for those who understand that we have joined with, not replaced, Israel (Eph 2:11-22), we are that nation of Isaiah 55:5:

Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. (ESV)

Noah's family fathered all the nations of the world. From Shem came Abraham, the father of God's priestly nation, Israel. God promised that through Abraham all nations would be blessed - Gentile believers in Jesus are heirs of that promise..

As Noah's and Abraham's children, rescued from the flood of sin and degradation sweeping humanity, we run to Israel "because of the Lord" (Isa 55:5) and in turn Jewish believers run into the ark of our remnant unity, as we work out our "one new man" (Eph 2:15) life of faith. As persecution increases, our love for each other and our unity in the gospel of Messiah will be an ark of protection for the faithful.

Author: Helen Belton