393. THE ARK
There are three thoughts in connection with the ark; salvation, security, and supply.
1. Salvation. The ark being made of wood is a type of the humanity of Christ (Hbr 2:7). The pitch with which the ark was covered is a type of the atonement of Christ. The ark would not have been able to keep out the waters of judgment, if it had not been pitched with pitch, so neither would the humanity of Christ save—He must die for us.
We are safe indeed, sheltered by the atonement of Christ. Here is an alphabet as to what the atonement of Christ does for those that believe in Him.
- It is the Anchor that will hold us eternally secure;
- the Balm that heals our wounded spirit;
- the Covering that makes us lovely in God's sight;
- the Day-star to illuminate our soul;
- the Entrance into untold blessing;
- the Food that satisfies our longings;
- the Guarantee of eternal glory;
- the Harbour of Refuge for quietness;
- the Invincible argument against Satan to overcome him;
- the Joy-bringer of gladness and happiness;
- the Key to unlock the mysteries of heaven;
- the Liberator from all bondage;
- the Mainspring of a holy life;
- the Nutriment of our life;
- the Obliterator of our sins;
- the Pillow to rest on now, in death, and for ever;
- the Quickener to all that is of God;
- the Rest-giver to the conscience;
- the Saviour of our souls;
- the Tower that shelters;
- the Unburdener from all our cares;
- the Voice that prevails with God;
- the Warrant to heaven; and
- the Yoke that binds us for ever to Him.
2. Security. "The Lord shut him in" (Gen 7:16). In the ark was safety and security. How safe are we who are in Christ? As safe as Christ is. As the ark surrounded Noah and his family, so the Lord surrounds us.
3. Supply. There was plenty of food in the ark (Gen 6:21). Christ satisfies as well as saves.