In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the mountain tops were seen. (Genesis 8:5)
Interestingly, the tenth month in the above verse corresponds with our January. Noah and his family had no certainty when, if ever, they would see terra-firma again. But on that first day the flood waters were ebbing and mountain tops were seen by Noah and his family.
There are none of us who have any guarantee what this new year will bring… though we have our hunches, expectations, and plans, we can’t foresee detail. Yet unlike those who choose not to believe, the believer is not in complete obscurity. One thing we can count on are the promises of God. Peter (II Pet.1:4) states that such promises are exceedingly great and precious.
In such promises we have the privilege of fellowship… and that fellowship exceeds the wonderful blessing of fellowship with other believers. I John 1:3 clearly reminds us our fellowship is with God the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
There are such ‘mountain-tops’ of great blessing, spiritual possibilities and challenging opportunities which are available to us as we consider Philippians 4:13—I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. But the greatest of all the capped mountains is the peak of looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).
Consider with me some aspects regarding Noah and his family’s view from the window.
- The mountain tops were seen from the Ark. In a study of the Word, it is clearly seen the Ark is a ‘type’ of our Savior Jesus. It is in close fellowship…walking with Him, that a clearer vision, a corrected and true vision is gained.
- Some linguists suggest Ararat, where the Ark settled, literally means holy ground or curse-reversed. Regardless of exact meaning it is in walking in ways which delight God which ultimately bring you delight. It is there where the great satisfactions are gleaned, and clarity gained.
- Noah and his family were not in the dark bowels of the vessel where no window was cut, attempting to gain a view in futility. They positioned themselves where they could and would see. Where is it that we see our Lord Jesus? Of course it is in the Word, it is in placing value and appreciating the act of Communion remembering Jesus, it is in fellowship with His people, and it is in prayer. Is it any wonder that these were the emphases of the early church (Acts 2:42)?
This year, today and daily… position yourself close to the Lord… close to Him. Walk humbly with your God… fix your eyes and look for Him, and to Him, where He is to be found… He doesn’t hide!
Maranatha!