Did the ark get wet? Noah’s history (Genesis 6–9) gives us the tale of a wooden box completely drenched on every side, thrown about by waves, beaten and burdened by the springs beneath and the floods poured from above. None of this was arbitrary or accidental—but a personal God exacting judgment (Gen. 6:17). We read of a vessel covered in the wrath of God.
Yet those creatures inside, who God drew into the vessel, receive safety and security. God’s promise assures the family of Noah. God gave the means for the ark. God drew the people to the ark. And God shut and sealed the door—keeping His sovereign hand over the vessel (Gen. 7:16). While God poured out His wrath, He simultaneously preserved those within the vessel as they experienced His righteous flood.
Jesus Christ, the divine and human Son of God, fulfills this picture in Genesis in so many ways. Christ’s sheep hear His voice calling them to enter into His union. Upon the wooden cross, the door of security shone brightly in flesh and blood. Our Savior did not withstand the flood of wrath but experienced it unto completion. The Father poured out upon the eternal Son all of the wrath due to His children in Adam. Jesus personally knew the pain and suffering for every sin of those within His heart. In mere hours, Jesus suffered what wasn’t accomplished in the days and years demonstrated in Noah’s flood—in consequence of Adam’s corrupt lineage. Outside of Christ, the judgment of God will be satisfied eternally in far greater wrath than what was shone to Noah. Yes, but in Christ alone, the judgment of God is eternally satisfied for the people of promise (see also 2 Peter 2:5).
This Messiah is unlike the vessel that sat upon the dry mountain summit, eventually broken down for lumber. This Messiah is not a vessel, but our whole—God truly with us. We have permanent security in Christ. Not only is His death our safety from God’s wrath, but His resurrection displayed on the mount of ascension is our promise of far more than a dove can bring (Noah’s faith was in the righteousness of the One to come, Hebrews 11:7). The hope of Resurrection Sunday is a greater hope than Noah’s Ark, though glimpses of the story of sovereign grace are demonstrated even millennia ago. Our Ark seals us with God the Holy Spirit to now live and rejoice in the promise of life forevermore. Are you resting in Christ? How can you announce our True and Better Ark of Salvation this season?
Pastor Chris
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