Noah’s Ark (1846), a painting by the American folk painter Edward Hicks
On Sunday I have the privilege and the challenge of preaching in Spanish at Harbor Mid-City.
As I’ve prepared for the message all the meaning in Noah and the Ark foreshadowing the coming of Christ really hit me. Some simple, yet profound truths. Those who were in the ark were saved from God’s judgement, just as those in Christ are rescued.
God’s fury burns as demonstrated by 40 days and 40 nights of rain. That rain brought death and judgement to most. Wow, just think of what Christ suffered for us on the cross.
I don’t stop to think about that often enough. If we don’t realize how much God hates sin, then we minimize the penalty that Christ paid for us. It wasn’t just that he died on the cross, but he bore our sins.
Christ cried out on the cross. He cried out for his Father.
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
–Matthew 27:46b (ESV)
How painful that moment must have been for the Father and the Son!
Dave preaching on another occasion at Lo Mejor del Trigo
It’s hard enough for me to watch my children suffer, and yet this was far greater. They had a perfect relationship. There is much mystery to the relationship between the Father and the Son, especially at that moment.
I praise the Lord also that he was pleased with the sacrifice of his Son. The Son satisfied the Father and his wrath. He was our substitute.
“Thank you, Lord for giving me the opportunity to study this passage in Genesis and teaching me more about your love for us. Your great sacrifice for us. How much you hate sin. O, that I would loath sin as you do. Please speak through me as I share your Word in the morning.”
Friends, I appreciate your faithful prayers for me and my family. I’d like to ask you to lift me up before the throne that I might bring the Word of God in a way that honors our Lord and edifies his people.
In His Grip, Dave
Beyond Borders 
Praying for the message He wants you to deliver, to come out beautifully and the congregation respond to Him and His love for them / us. God bless you!
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I was very encouraged by how it went – thanks so much for praying. God works despite our weaknesses
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Praying, Dave. Your point about how much God hates since is well taken. I just wish more people could realize that while God hates since with a passion, He also loves the sinner with an equal or greater passion. Many refuse to believe that Christians can hate the sin, yet love the sinner (which, if we didn’t, would mean we would hate ourselves as well). Perhaps we need to do a much better job of demonstrating this through how we live and speak.
A blessed Lord’s Day to you and your family,
janet
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That’s a good point we need both. I think it’s easy to fall on one side or the other, but not easy to stay balanced as you are mentioning here.
When I reflect on God’s hate for sin, it serves as a reminder how much God loves us in sending his son to be a sacrifice in our place. Praise be to God!
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Great insight and thought provoking…..Praying now
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Thanks for praying. I think it went well. I always enjoy the opportunity to preach.
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A good word delivered in God’s timing. Keep on keeping on.
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Glad the Lord used it in your life. Happy New Year – Hope you have an awesome 2013!
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