Noah’s Ark is an exciting symbol. It is actually God’s ark, because the idea comes from God. God speaks to Noah and calls him to lead the project.
God could have had countless possibilities for a new beginning. But he does not want to turn anyone upside down against his will and chooses the exodus (relocation). Those who allow themselves to be called are given a new chance.
A few things stand out here: God wants to act through human beings. He calls Noah. He gives the plan. He sends the animals. He closes the door and gives a promise with the rainbow.
Jesus calls the disciples and wants to work through them. He shows them that the kingdom of God is a matter of the heart. Seeking people are added through the Holy Spirit. The focus remains on people who long for the presence of God. Jesus says: „Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). No one is forced into anything. The kingdom of God is a community that engages with God and is inspired by his promises.
The called (ekklesia, ἐκκλησία, the called, the church) are there for one another. It is a community of believers that God has brought together. They allow themselves to be carried through the storms of life by the saving wood (the cross).
Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24:37 is also stunning: “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man”. Jesus does not save the world but saves believers from the disaster.
Messiah images in the Torah
- God seeks us – Adam where are you?
- The possibility of a choice – Two trees in the Garden of Eden
- Neediness instead divinity – A new view
- God’s master plan – Salvation through a human being
- A divine clothing – God acts
- A world upside down – Kai and Abel
- Living in the presence of God – Enoch
- God is calling – Noah
- A king-priest like Melchizedek
- God visits Abraham
- Life through a sacrifice – Isaac
- The ladder to heaven – Jacob
- New identity from Jacob to Israel
- Messiah Ben Joseph – Joseph the son of Jacob
- Shiloh, whom all nations will serve – Blessing on Judah
- Moses, the prototype of the Saviour
- References to Jesus in Moses
- The Passover Lamb
- The pillar of cloud and fire
- God wants to be with us – The tabernacle / The temple
- The snake on a pole – An image of a new beginning
- The rock in the desert – Faith is not a method
- A prophet greater than Moses
- A star from Jacob – Bileam