Genesis 8:11 "And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth."
They remained on the ark another three months after the rain had stopped.
Noah sent out a raven from the ark to spy out the land. The raven never
returned because there was so much carnage off which it fed. He sent out a dove
and it returned with nothing in its mouth. He sent it the second time and this
is when it came back with the olive leaf that had been plucked off. Noah knew
the waters were gone from off the earth and would soon be safe to leave the
ark. He sent the dove the third time and it never returned to the ark. God then
instructed Noah and his family to exit the ark.
As I think about these two types of birds, it seems obvious as to the reason
the raven never returned. Ravens are scavengers and as such, there was a
multitude of "food" for it to feed from. The doves are peace seekers
and there was no peace for the dove when it flew the first time. The second
time, there was the olive branch from which it plucked the leaf to allow Noah
to be certain there was peace on the earth.
What is the lesson for me this morning? As we look around the world, we can see
so very much filth on which the carnal mind can feed. But the problem with that
is death feeds death. By that I mean, we cannot enjoy a true fellowship with
God if we feed off the things of the world. The things of our society will
constantly put forth a multitude of carnage from which we could spend much
time. But the more time we spend with that, the less time we spend with God.
But at the same time, we can find much good if we truly seek for that which
feeds our souls. Let us be as the dove and seek for those things which promote
peace within our hearts and minds. No price tag can be placed on the value of
peace of mind. We find that peace in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ for He
is indeed the Prince of peace.
Luke 2:10-14
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which
is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
men.