And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:21
The Boat Of Faith
But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
Exodus 2:3
Yesterday, we looked at the bravery of the midwives who showed reverence to God and saved the Israelite boy babies even though it meant disobeying the king of Egypt. Today we will see how faith and action can work together to fulfil God’s purposes for mankind.
As baby Moses grew, his family could not hide him any longer so, by faith, his mother placed him inside a papyrus basket that was coated with tar and pitch, and set it on the banks of the River Nile.
The basket acted like a boat for the baby, keeping Moses safe and dry from the water until he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses’ mother’s act of faith meant that Moses’ life was saved and God could continue with His plan to set His people free from the bondage of the Egyptians.
Similarly, in the story of Noah, we see how one man’s faithfulness to obey God meant building an ark of cypress wood that was covered inside and out with pitch. (Genesis 6:14) Even though he was ridiculed by others, Noah’s act of faith meant that his family of eight was saved while the rest of civilisation perished in the flood.
One boat was made of papyrus and the other was made of cypress wood. The first boat saved one person while the second boat saved eight people but both were made in faith and became part of God’s plan to redeem His people.
Jesus, however, is the biggest boat of all. He was sent by His Father in heaven to save mankind. If we put our faith in Him, He will redeem us from the law of sin and death, covering us with His precious blood.
Today, let us ask ourselves if we are in the boat of Jesus or are we struggling in the stormy waters? He is able to save us if we reach out to Him; He will lift us up to the safety of His boat.