-March 6, 2023-
Good morning, happy Monday,
“He also sent out for himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. And he waited seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark” (Genesis 8:8-10).
“Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore” (Genesis 8:11-12).
The dove is a beautiful, calm, and smart bird. It is part of the pigeon family of birds and is mentioned 47 times in the Scriptures. The dove is associated with hope, sacrifice, innocence, peace, and the Holy Spirit. Each of these is wonderful in and of themselves. Unger’s Bible Dictionary says, “The dove was a harbinger of reconciliation with God, and has since been the emblem of peace. It is also a noted symbol of tender and devoted affection, and likewise of mourning. The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit which descended upon our Saviour at His baptism, which that peculiar hovering motion which distinguishes the descent of a dove.”
Today we will meditate on the hope and peace we see in the dove. Noah, his wife, their sons, and their son’s wives entered the ark along with all the animals. They were preserved and protected during the Great Flood. It rained 40 days and 40 nights, and the water covered the earth for 150 days. All living creatures outside the ark died. God restarted the human race and every species of the animals over again. God made a covenant with Noah, called the Noahic or Rainbow Covenant to show that He will never again destroy the world through a massive flood.
Man once again had hope for a better and brighter future. God’s plan for man’s salvation through His Son Jesus Christ would come to those who believe in Him, His sacrifice for sin on the cross and His glorious resurrection. The promise of forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and a home in heaven is assured. God is a God of hope and peace.
The white dove in particular, is a symbol of the righteousness of Christ that has been imputed to us. The tender, calm, beautiful, and precious dove is a blessing to us. Noah first sent out a raven, but it never found dry ground nor did it return to him. That is when he sent out the dove three times. On her second flight, she brought back a freshly plucked olive leaf. Noah then knew the waters had completely receded from the earth. Just imagine how happy Noah felt. It was the dawn of a new beginning for Noah, his family, and the animals.
As believers in Christ, He is our hope in the midst of a hopeless world; and our peace in the midst of turmoil, conflict, and despair. Romans 15:13 says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In the next several days we will consider the other lessons we can learn from the dove. I trust that all our hearts will be blessed. Have blessed day with renewed hope. As our dear pastor Adel likes to say, “The best is yet to come.” Stay safe and healthy.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 