The Day of the Lord (Part 2)

Entering Gods Rest

In part two of this study we will consider four points; 1 At Jesus’ return a great conflict begins “The Day of the Lord”. 2 This conflict arises as the glory of Christ is gradually manifest in the saints. 3 This glory exposes the hidden things of darkness bring them into judgment. 4 At this time the world resists the saints as they lay down there lives and win inheritance in God rest.
The Days of Creation and Rest

The creation in Genesis is divided into 6 days of labor and a 7th day of rest. The 6 days of labor included the creation of the heavens, earth, many kinds of plants and animals. Last of all man is created and placed in Eden. Adam and Eve could rest in the sense that all their needs had been provided for during the 6 days God Labored. Adam may have found himself laboring intensely as he cared for the garden, but this was out of joy. After the fall, Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden and a new type of labor was introduced. Adam and Eve found themselves laboring in sorrow to sustain a life that would end in the grave. There was a ray of hope when the Lord stated “the seed of the woman would bruise the serpents’ head”. There was no mention of return to the garden but generations later the idea of gaining rest from their labors was prophesied by Lamech who named his son Noah “rest”. “This one will bring us rest from the labors of our hands concerning the ground which the Lord has cursed”. Noah would be one of a few who would reach this rest by the construction of an Ark which would carry Noah, his family and many animals through a flood and attain rest in a new order. In the account of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt and subsequent warfare for Canaan we find another use of the words Labor and Rest. Israel Labored as slaves under Pharaoh, Moses came to release Israel from their labors and inherit rest in Canaan. It is my understanding that the labor and rest spoken of in Noah’s day and that spoken of by Moses Deu 12:9, 10; Heb 4:8, 9 tell the same story of a transition from the labor that came as a result of man’s fall, back to rest and favor with God. Both stories give a common view of how the transition from labor to rest is accomplished, but each in the context of their day. How does the Day of the Lord relate to God’s people entering rest? This study is a consideration of this point, to relate the flood story and Israel’s conquest of Canaan to the idea of gaining inheritance in God’s rest.

A Judgment from God

In Noah’s day man had corrupted to the point that God determined to destroy all with the breath of life. In the days of Moses the gentile nations living in Canaan had come to a similar point. Joshua was commanded by God to destroy all that breathed as Israel entered Canaan under Joshua. In Noah’s day it was a flood of water that would accomplish God’s Judgment. In Joshua’s time God used the army of Israel to bring his judgment on the Canaanites. David describes God working through the army of Israel as being like a flood of water. 2 Sam 5:20 . . .David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Though Israel was executing God’s Judgment they themselves had to stay within boundaries set by the Mosaic Law to remain safe from judgment (Joshua 22:20). Noah’s safety lay in that he stayed within the Ark, you might say a temporary rest. Both Israel and Noah’s family found favor before the Lord and were provided safe passage during the time of Judgment. The Lord made a covenant with Noah to enter an ark Noah himself would build from a pattern Noah received from God. We read in Hebrews 11:7 by building the Ark, Noah condemned that generation. In like manner God made a covenant with Israel and gave them a pattern for an ark they were to construct which would protect Israel by the atonement made on it, which Ark would also bring judgment on Canaan.

A Shelter in the Tempest

The covenant with Noah and the covenant with Israel would each provide a way for the Lord to not only judge the existing generation but also save Noah his family and Israel. Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant would picture the same salvation in Christ. Each ark represented a means of safe passage through a time of Judgment. As one order is removed another is established. In each story it was important for those saved to remain separate from the outside, that a new untarnished order be established. Without the ark neither Israel nor Noah could survive. The divinely appointed pattern of each ark prefigured a representation of divine qualities as seen in Christ; their presence brought guilt and judgment. Time was given Noah to construct the ark, as Israel was given time in the wilderness to build the ark and the tabernacle. Israel also had to come into compliance with the many ordinances of the Mosaic covenant. The key in each story is atonement. Noah’s ark was covered with pitch. The Hebrew word translated pitch is also translated atonement in Leviticus 16 and throughout the Old Testament. Noah covering the Ark with pitch teaches us the same lesson as the high priest of Israel who sprinkled blood on the Ark of the Covenant, making atonement for Israel and peace with God, this making it possible for God to go with his people just as the Ark of the Covenant traveled with Israel as they took possession of the Land. In this way it can be said of this war to take possession of God’s rest is won by the blood of the lamb.

The Day Shall Declare It

The Ark of the Covenant was constructed in the wilderness, observed only by God’s people. The structure and organization of the nation would then be tested under fire, in the conflict for Canaan. This would reveal if all had been done according to the pattern given Moses. The church is also tested in the Day of the Lord. The vessel which the church builds is constructed according to God’s pattern of faith, doctrine, good works and Christ-like character. Structures of faith not built according to God’s pattern will gradually dissolved as the waters rise. 1 Cor. 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. This day will end, once all opposition has been brought under the feet of the church.
As the waters of the flood increased Noah’s ark was lifted up and floated on the water. Gen 7:17-19 . . .the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth. And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. This seems to be symbolic language picturing the Day of the Lord. As the ark is raised up, it pictures a dawning of the Day of the Lord and the revelation of Christ. The same judgments that came on the world also comes on the church but there is a difference, the church is raised showing more and more a likeness of Christ as the world is brought low. You might say the church is transformed right before the eyes of the world, as Christ is seen in the church; this becomes a condemning factor to the world. Peter describes this (2 Pet 1:19) “the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts” Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. As the church is transformed the Godly works of the church become more renowned and bring into judgment the works of darkness. 1 Cor 4:55 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. The increasing light as seen in the church places increasing restrictions on the leaders of the world in this way the wicked are brought under the feet of the saints. Ps 149:5-9 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD. Mal 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.

Noah’s Ark being lifted up above the mountains speaks in language similar to Isaiah chapter two verse two “it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills” Verse 12 “For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day”. The ark being lifted above the Mountains suggests the convicting power as seen in Noah’s ark will not be obstructed from view.

When you See the Ark

A parallel to the lifting up of Noah’s ark can be seen when the priest lifted the Ark of the Covenant to be carried before the armies of Israel as they began to take possession of Canaan. Rehab described the effect this had on the Canaanites. Joshua 2:11 . . . as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Israel crossing the Jordan was a sign that God was in heaven Josh 5:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel. It was undeniable God had lifted up his people in the eyes for all to see. This account may point to the sign Jesus speaks of in Mathew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Before crossing the Jordan Israel was to watch for the Ark of the Covenant. Joshua 3:3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

No Continuing City

Once raised above all the high Mounts, Noah’s ark drifted on the water for a period of time, in a similar manner the Ark of the Covenant had no fix dwelling as it was carried by the priests from place to place. There was no destination or end in sight. The uncertain and transient nature of the Ark of the Covenant can be seen in the staves that were not to be removed. Ex 25:14, 15 And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them. The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it. The final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant was not known until revealed to David. When placed in Solomon’s temple the staves were removed, though kept in the temple. 1 Kings 8:8 And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day.

The Ark finds Rest on the Mount

In both stories the flood and the Ark of the Covenant a final resting place is reached, Mount Zion and Mount Ararat. These two mountains would have a similar meaning. As the waters of the flood subsided and the period of Judgment ended, the Mountains began to appear, Noah’s ark rested on Mount Ararat. As King David brought the Canaanites into subjection, the Ark of the Covenant came to rest on Mount Zion. David brought all opposition under his feet establishing Zion as his capital. 1 Chro. 22:17,18 David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people. Ps 78:67- 69 Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: 68 But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. 69 And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.

Noah knew the flood was nearing the end when the dove which he released found rest for the sole of her feet (Gen 8:9). The Ark of the Covenant completed it’s wondering finding rest in the temple. 1 Chro. 6:31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. 1 Chro. 28:2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: 1 Kings 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 1 Chro 23:25-27 For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof. For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:

The Occasion of a New Order

In this study we have considered a parallel between Noah’s Ark the Ark of the Covenant. Each story has many points in common. There is the decline of society that brought judgment from God. In the case of Canaan we learn that the Lord waited until their iniquity was full. The Canaanites determined downward course became an occasion by which a new order would be established. Establishing a new order was accomplished by giving Noah and Israel the opportunity to build a temporary structure designed by God. In the building of this structure, God would prepare a protective cover for his people and set them apart during the destruction of the old order. The structure itself would be a way of exposing (Heb 11:7) the old order and sanctifying the new. Phil 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

What Does This Mean to Me?

This study places emphasis on the churches role in the Day of the Lord. Only as the church displays the dying of Christ does the world come into judgment and subjection to Christ. The Ark of the Covenant and Noah’s ark are key in each story and a connection between stories. The design for each ark is provide by God and built by his people. The Ark is the means of protection in each story and each is associated with Christ atoning sacrifice. It is the atonement found in Christ which both saves the church and condemns the world. In both stories the faithful are carried safely through the period of judgment until rest in a new order. With Peter likening the Day of the Lord to the flood story by comparing Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant we may be able to use these stories as a wedge to see farther into what happens during the day of the Lord. In particular the part Israel played subduing Canaan. Israel carried the ark with them as they face the Canaanites in battle. This seems to highlight a role the church plays in the Day of the Lord showing forth this salvation. This may seem strange to think the Kingdom in part is established through the faith and activity of the saints. If we look back on the development of the church we find other members who the Lord relied on to bring forward the kingdom. Mary was a notable example who made herself a willing vessel and became the mother of Jesus. At Pentecost the apostles made themselves willing vessels for the Lord to establish the church. Jesus laid the pattern putting aside self, that God’s plan may go forward, each who follow in Jesus’ steps and show forth Christ in there lives carry the Day of the Lord forward. Many believe the kingdom will be established through a physical intervention from heaven. The scriptures we have considered suggest this will happen through the members of the church, every eye seeing Christ in the members of his body; “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” Mat 25:40. 2 Thess 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. God working through the church in the Day of the Lord will subdue evil and in this way the seed of the woman will be the instrument God uses to bruise the serpent’s head.

Parallels between Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant

1. Both Noah and Moses would bring passage from labor to rest.
2. The covenant made with Noah and the pattern given him for the ark would correspond to the Law Covenant made with Israel and the pattern for the tabernacle, more particularly the pattern for the Ark of the Covenant.
3. Noah and family constructed the Ark as Israel constructed the Ark of the Covenant.
4. Atonement for sin was accomplished by sprinkling blood on the Ark of the Covenant, this would point to our salvation in Christ and is also pictured in the pitch with which Noah pitched the Ark he constructed. The Hebrew word for ‘pitch’ is the same word translated ‘atonement’ through out the Old Testament.
5. Both Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant would offer protection from God’s Judgment.
6. Both Ark’s were portable and lifted up during the time of Judgment.
7. The waters of the flood and the armies of Israel destroy all with the breath of life. Gen 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. . . Josh 10:40 So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.
8. The destructive element in Noah’s day was the flood of water, in Canaan it was the army of Israel. 2 Sam 5:20. . . David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters.
9. Noah did not plot a course to Mount Ararat. Neither did Joshua plot a course for Mount Zion. In Deuteronomy we learn that the location of the temple would not be revealed until after the land was subdued. During the time of judgment there is no permanent rest or continuing city in sight the church is completely dependent on the vessel they constructed.
10. Noah’s ark resting on Mount Ararat would be like the Ark of the Covenant finding rest on Mount Zion. Gen 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. 1 Chro 23: 25 For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: 1 Chro 6: 31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. 1 Chro 28:2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:
11. The period after the flood would correspond to Solomon’s reign. Solomon means peace. 1 Chro 22:9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. This rest would correspond to the rest Noah’s father looked for when he named his son Noah (rest). Gen 5: 28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: 29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.