|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Come Christians Join To Sing"1 (Lyrics) |
Genesis 6:13-14 – Then God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth. Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch." (NASB)
I became fascinated while watching a commercial about a waterproofing agent contained in a spray can that was able to repair leakages on almost anything. The salesman even demonstrated a rowboat with a screened hole in the bottom that had been sprayed with this substance, and the boat remained afloat while he rowed through the water.
Consequently, as I was reading today's passage, the word "pitch" struck me. This begged the question: How significant is pitch, and what is it? So I researched the word. It is a smelly, black, oily, gooey by-product of organic material. Some Bible versions render it as tar; most likely it is a natural substance readily available and native to the area of the Dead Sea.
Mixed with other materials, this tar is similar to what roofers use on flat roofs. I thought that God used a clever idea in the days of Noah without modern-day technology. The ark was able to stay afloat and to withstand the turbulence of wind and water for over 150 days and nights, thousands of years before our modern ships were invented. What an immense demonstration of God's precision and protection.
Interestingly, the primary root word in Hebrew for "pitch" is "kaphar", meaning "to cover". It also means to expiate, condone, placate, pardon, forgive, be merciful, purge away, or make reconciliation. Now, I am starting to perceive a clearer picture of what is happening. The deeper meaning surfaces when we realize how God covers our sin. He sent His only begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross as atonement for sin. He covers us through the storms of life so that one day, we will be able to live and reign with Him in glory in His kingdom.
1 Corinthians 1:27 – But God chose what is nonsense in the world to make the wise feel ashamed. God chose what is weak in the world to make the strong feel ashamed. (ISV)
Prayer: Our Father, we thank You for Your finished work on the cross. It is the little things that remind us of Your greatness. Help us to remain focused on Your living Son. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Monday, May 29, 2023 – In Guelph, Onrtario — Give thanks for 10 years of ministry at Two Rivers Church in Guelph, Ontario. Pray that the congregation, meeting in living rooms, continues to grow in outreach to their community with the transforming love of Christ.
cancer: "May 27, 2023. Please pray fervently for my friend who has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer..." 
Pregnant daughter so very sick!: "May 26, 2023. Please pray for my daughter AD, who is having her first baby at 36 years old. She is..." 
Always look forward to your breathtaking devotions.
Just to tell you that where I live in Trinidad, West Indies, the pitch is one of the wonders of the world.
So now with your inspiring devotion I can tell you God really works miracles no matter what.
He fills us with that presence every day.
I love reading your devotions. Have a bless day.
Interesting observation Lou. Have a great day.
Martin
Priceless.
Thank you, Lou, for sharing this awesome insight with us. I really enjoyed this devotional.
Thanks, Lou, for a good word, always so great to learn new things. The pitch on the ark would therefore also signify the covering of Christ upon those within who would be preserve for a new beginning…perhaps even an insight into our new beginning in eternity after we have traversed the seas of life.
Thank you, Lou.
God bless and be with you.
Very good again, Lou. And thank You, God, for your wonderful news with your check-up last week. We have such an awesome God. Take care and God bless you.
Thanks for a great study of how strong we are when we are covered with the strength of the Lord. His protection is what keeps us safe from the wiles of Satan and the world.
Very good analogy given. It is amazing how some intellectuals may not be as smart as they seem. God truly is amazing and does some unbelievable things. All we really have to do is just listen. Great job with this devotional.
Hello Lou, I really enjoyed the back ground you did on the word pitch. Isn’t it incredibly wonderful how God has hidden all these nuggets of wisdom in his word and he uses people such as yourself to dig them out for the rest of us to enjoy. May God continue to bless you as you share your blessings with those around you and through PresbyCan Daily.
Dear Lou,
I did enjoy reading your devotional and I also watched the same commercial.
Thanks and blessings to you.