Shut in or shut out

Shut in or shut out

As I was remembering my earlier days as a child going to vacation bible school with the Old Testament story of Noah’s Ark and the coloring books and art work we did trying to portray that event the best we could at the time, Too what I thought I knew? You seeI have always thought that Noah was safe inside the Ark because he built it according to God's specifications. I thought perhaps it was the strength of the wood and the soundness of the architectural design that ensured that the waters of the flood would not come into the Ark. But today as I was reading, I encountered a verse that shifted this whole paradigm. It was Noah's belief, faith, commitment and trust in the Lord. The bible says in Genesis 7:16 says .." The animals going in were male and female of every living thing as God had commanded Noah... Then God Shut him in. Don't miss this...even after Noah had built the Ark, it was God Himself who shut him in, in order to shut out the waters of the flood... In another translations this verse says "The Lord sealed them inside." In the New Testament, Jesus explains the other side of the door in Matthew 25 on being sealed outside of His love, protection and mercy. Their were ten bridesmaids waiting on the bridegroom, but five bridesmaids were not prepared and in fact says they were foolish, slumbered and slept. When the bridegroom came, they were unprepared, and the door was shut. They cried out Lord, Lord open unto us the door. But the Lord answered and said, Verily I say unto you I know you not. I personally cannot think of anything that would be more chilling than to hear those words, knowing I had grace extended and given chances to make that choice of acceptance. For anyone not prepared or right with the Lord by accepting Him as their personal Lord and Savior putting full belief, faith, commitment and trust in Jesus. He tells us we will be shut out. The shut door indicates our failure by choice, However, If we have made that commitment by faith, we are assured we are shut and sealed in with Him for now and forever. May we make the choice to allow God to seal us inside His Ark of protection this day and always. Think about it ? It is not the fact that we have locked our house that keeps us safe at night, it is not our good driving skills that keeps us safe on the road, neither is it our healthy eating habits that keeps us healthy, only God can shut us in and shut out the devil that is seeking to devour us. God expects and deserves better, and I hope upon reflection that we will expect more of ourselves in the future. My prayer for today is, Jesus we pray that this day as we walk into the streets and as we drive on the roads, Jesus, shut us in. Jesus we pray for our children, that in the midst of dangers and deceptions... You will shut Them in your protection and promises, keep out the flood waters of abuse, lack, hate, fear mongering, diseases and the attacks of the enemy. Oh God shut us in, shut us in your Ark of promise and protection In Jesus Name...Amen. Make it a great day for yourself and someone else as we live to love and share Jesus with others.

Genesis 7:16

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.

Romans 6:11

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Titus 2:11- 14

For the grace of God that bringth salvation hath appeared to all men.

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world.

Looking for the blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.