The ark is a beautiful picture of the salvation we have in Christ.

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By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household  --Hebrews 11:7 The story of Noah and the flood is a wonderful illustration of how Christ has saved us. First, the Bible tells us in 2 Peter 2:5 that God saved Noah and his family from the judgment of the flood by means of the ark.  The ark was a type of Christ who is the ark of our salvation saving us from the flood waters of sin and death. Second, just as Noah’s ark preserved him and his family in safety, so the Christ keeps us in safety when our trust is in Him. Third, the ark was both divine and earthly.  It was divine because the Lord commanded Noah to build it, but it was also made of earthly substance. This is a picture of Jesus Christ, who was both divine and yet man. Fourth, the ark was sufficient for Noah and his family, all of the animals, and all of the food and supplies necessary to meet their needs. This is a picture of how the Lord is sufficient for everything we need. Finally, the ark was kept safe during the 40-day storm. No matter how hard the waves tossed and battered it, the ark remained intact and strong. This is a wonderful picture of our security in Christ, once we have accepted Him as Savior. No matter how we may be battered by the storms of life, we are safe and sound in Christ. You may know the story of Noah and the ark, but I hope you see it in a new light today as a beautiful picture of what we have in Christ. And that you will take time to thank God for all He has given you in Christ! The ark is a beautiful picture of the salvation we have in Christ.

Battle Scars

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
Galatians 6:16–18

There were many who opposed the truth taught by the Apostle Paul of salvation by grace through faith. The entire letter that we know as the book of Galatians is written to point out the vital importance of this great truth. As Paul closed his epistle, the Holy Spirit inspired him to remind those who would read it that he was not speaking theoretically. Paul had committed himself to the gospel, and as a result, carried in his body the evidence of the suffering that he had endured. Paul was stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, and lived in constant danger of being killed. Eventually, he would be martyred by the tyrant Nero. There was no question about his level of commitment.
Vance Havner asked, “Where are the marks of the cross in your life? Are there any points of identification with your Lord? Alas, too many Christians wear medals but carry no scars.” Most of us in America have never had to endure actual physical suffering for our faith, but that is not the case for many believers. What we need is the willingness to stand, even if it means that we will suffer consequences. Jesus was willing to endure enormous physical suffering and also bear the sins of mankind. And even after His resurrection, His body still shows the wounds He received for us.
Amy Carmichael wrote:
No wound? No scar?
Yet as the Master shall the servant be,
And pierced are the feet that follow Me;
But thine are whole. Can he have followed far
Who has no wound nor scar?
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

It is not possible to truly follow Jesus unless our commitment is so strong that we are willing to suffer for Him.