[NIV] 1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild anmals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, andhe sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. - P84
10 He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. - P85
12 He waited another seven days and then released the dove again. This time it didnot come back. - P85
When the Bible speaks of God "remembering," it is often a savingaction that fulfills a divine promise. We see this in Exodus 2:24, when God hears the Israelites‘ groaning
and remembers His covenant with
Abraham to deliver his descendants and lead them into the Promised Land. - P86
Throughout the Old Testament, we see God remembering Hispromises, which all find their fulfillment in the coming of Jesus Christ. - P86
Our God is a covenant-keeping God, who brings redemption by re-membering and fulfilling His promises.
We can rely on His faithfulnessin all circumstances. - P86
Thus far, Noah‘s actions have been guided solely by God‘s direct com-mands: building the ark according
to precise measurements, gatheringthe
animals, and entering the ark.
Here, we see that God does not give adirect word to Noah regarding what to do while the waters are receding.
- P86
So, Noah conducts his own experiments, sending a raven and then a dove
to see if the waters have abated. Rather than unbelief, this suggests
Noah‘s expectation that dry land will soon appear, which is confirmed
by the olive leaf in the dove‘s beak. - P86
In the same way, let us also waitfor God with a patient and active anticipation that He will fulfill Hispromises as we exercise wisdom to discern His timing. - P86
Ultimately, it is not the birds that signal theend of their long confinement but God‘s command, "Come out ofthe ark" (Gen. 8:16).
- P87
We often struggle to wait for God‘s timing. We are impatient anduncertain of what signs to look out for. In this struggle, we must exercise discernment.
This begins with recognizing that just as
God‘sways are different from our ways, His schedule often runs differentlyas well. - P87
In his book Discernment, Henri Nouwen describes two typesof time. One is the chronological time where a series of uncontrollable events happens to us.
The other is God‘s time which contains "both past and future events
in the present moment." - P87
God‘s time is alwayslinked with His purpose.
- P87
We experience life as a series of ups and downs. There will be momentsthat require patience to discern God at work. The key to discernmentin these times is to subject our perspective to God‘s ultimate purposes
so that we can patiently and joyfully see His perfect work unfold. - P87
Because Youare a God who neither forgets nor abandons us, I will not lose hope. - P87
Help me to patiently and eagerly wait for
Your perfect timing. In Jesus‘ name, amen.
- P87
15 Then God said to Noah, 16 "Come out of the ark,
your wife and your sons and their wives.
- P88
20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, takingsome of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. - P89
21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in hisheart: "Never again will I curse the ground because ofhumans, even though every inclination of the humanheart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures,
as I have done. - P89
The Lord promises that He will never againcurse the ground because of humans. - P89
The season of judgment and
confinement is over. It is a fresh start.
Our Godis a God of second chances., - P90
Sometimes we can go through devastatingtimes that leave us battered and fearful, but God opens new doors forhealing and renewal. - P90
When this happens, we need to step out
in faith and embrace the abundant life
that He calls us to, firmly believing that
He who has begun a good work in us will
surely bring it to completion. - P90
The first thing Noah does after leaving the ark is to build an altar andoffer a burnt offering to the Lord. This act of worship
pleases the Lord,
who promises to never again destroy the
earth with floodwaters. - P90
God is aware that humankind is
inherently sinful and rebellious, yet He stillpromises not to curse the ground on account of our waywardness. - P90
God is merciful and does not treat us as
we deserve. He is always patient with us,
waiting for us to turn to Him. - P90
Our appropriate response toHis mercies
should be to love Him above everything
else and obey Himwith hearts of gratitude. - P90
He has given us life, so let us live for Him. - P90
You are the God of new beginnings, so I commit my life and plans into Your hands.
- P91
May Your Spirit guide and empower me to please You in every way. InJesus‘ name, amen. - P91
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