The Daily Office for January 15, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 148
Genesis 7:1-10, 17-23
Ephesians 4:1-16
Mark 3:7-19
Reading (Genesis 7:1-10, 17-23)
Reflection
In this passage we read the first invitation to "come" that God issues in the Bible. To enter the ark is to enter the place of safety in a secure vessel; just like to be found in Christ is to be found in the place of safety in salvation. It's also significant that God allowed an entire week to pass while Noah, his family, and the animals silently waited in the ark. Doubtless, this was done to give the world an opportunity to repent and join those who had found safety (salvation) in God’s ark, like the calm before the storm. And yet, Noah’s contemporaries continued their lives of reckless disregard toward the commandments of God.
Don't ignore the soft whisper of the Holy Spirit when he directs you to turn from the things you know are wrong. God is always faithful to those who obey him and, while he doesn't always keep us from trouble, he will never stop loving us or caring for our needs.
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.