The ‘SIGNIFICANCE’ of the ‘CALL’ from GOD!
January 3
Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 7-9
The ‘SIGNIFICANCE’ of the ‘CALL’ from GOD!
Then the Lord said to Noah, "Come into
the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous
before Me in this generation." (Gen 7:1)
In the above
passage, we see that Noah and his family were invited by God to come into the
ark from the sure destruction that would come upon the whole earth. The word “come” appears for the first time here
as gracious gospel invitation: “Come into
the ark of safety and salvation.” God had seen the wickedness on the earth
(6:12) but His gracious attention was also drawn to “righteous” Noah (6:8). The
initiative of redemption was from God (8:15) Himself!
Just as the
ark is a place of safety and salvation, Christ is our place of safety in
salvation for everyone today. In the Old Testament, there is an extraordinary
invitation from God: "Come now, and
let us reason together," says the Lord, "though your sins are like
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they
shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18).
In the New
Testament, Jesus Christ has issued the following invitation to all the people
who heard His message: "Come to Me,
all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke
upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find
rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt
11:28-30). The Bible closes with an open invitation to the entire humankind: And the Spirit and the bride say,
"Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who
thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Rev
22:17)
