The Dove Came To Noah

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. [GENESIS 8:11]

Coffee time:

I am sitting in the Little Dove Café in Nelson and my thoughts turn to Noah of old and the great flood that came upon the earth. As you enter the cafe, the dove holding an olive leaf catches your eye.

For me the dove and the olive are such powerful images in scripture.

The cafe has a strong Mediterranean theme, both in the decor and the food served. Andrew, the co-owner, always welcomes me by name – Nick! and knows my favorite coffee – large flat white!

Although we hold different views on life, we know its good to step outside our echo chambers and test the rocks that we stand on.

The Great Flood:

In the book of Genesis, you can read all about the wicked state of the world in Noah’s day; the ark that he built under God’s instruction, the great flood of judgment that came and the restoration of the earth and Man that then ensued, here.

The dove and olive leaf speak to God’s restorative action. At the heart of His plan is the coming of The Messiah, His Son.

Peace Offering:

He is the ultimate peace offering to restore Man to a right relationship with The Father. An offering that required Yeshua (Jesus) to shed His blood, indeed give His life on Calvary Hill in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago.

Yeshua gave a warning just prior to His death, referring back to this age of Noah, then speaking to His end of times return:

But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. [MATTHEW 24:37-39]

He is warning us of a world caught up in routine and pleasure, ignoring warnings, until sudden destruction arrives. We need to be spiritually alert. 

Yeshua is coming back and is warning us because He loves us. Get right with Him, before the proverbial door of the ark closes.

New Creation:

I thought I would finish with a great song by Mac Powell called New Creation. He sings of God who is able to bring blessings out of tragedy.

You know what? We all have our own tragedies where only Yeshua can bring eternal blessing – able to create something beautiful, something good!