The Animals Went into the Ark
A Devotional Series from Genesis
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
6/19 Reading Portions: Deuteronomy 24; Psalms 114-115; Isaiah 51; Revelation 21
Genesis 7:8-9
Of clean animals, and of animals that are not clean, and of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground, two and two, male and female, went into the ark with Noah, as God had commanded Noah.
GRACE
Critics and naysayers among the unbelieving reprobates will pooh-pooh the idea of a worldwide deluge because of the truth from these two verses here. To them, it is inconceivable how certain animals, a pair of every kind of unclean animal, and seven pairs of clean animals would come to the ark, then enter the ark with Noah. Moreover, the animals that were not ordained to enter the ark, did not budge from their earthly habitat. It is clear to us as believers that the wonder-working hand of our divine Sovereign ministered to these animals to go to the ark and enter therein.
The work of the Holy Spirit upon redeemed saints is likewise a baffling mystery to unbelievers. Loving our enemies. Praying for those who spitefully use us and persecute us. Forgiving one another. Showing hospitality to strangers. Waking, walking, and working in humility for the glory of God alone through the exaltation of Christ.
Why are these things such a mystery to those who are outside the household of faith, stumping those who love and dwell in the world with their worldliness? It is because the truth of Christ crucified has not been revealed to them. Their hardened hearts refuse to consider while their uncircumcised ears refuse to hear, and their faithless eyes refuse to see.
Yet we see, and hear, and believe because we have found favor in the sight of the LORD. He has reached down and saved us by His grace. The mystery of our salvation is a great and magnificent reason to render spontaneous praise throughout the day. Hallelujah! What a Savior!