The Dove with an Olive Leaf
And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her
mouth was an olive leaf plucked off: so Noah knew that the
waters were abated from off the earth.
Genesis 8:11
Read Genesis 8:1-11
Have you ever thought about what the dove and olive leaf must have meant
for Noah? For months he and his family were locked up in a large wooden
vessel, drifting over the worldwide sea without oars, sails or a compass.
They were at the mercy of wind and waves. The inhabitants of the ark must
have had their questions. Perhaps they asked, “What does it look like outside?
Are we ever going to get out?” Believers too have their moments of
fear and distress.
Finally, after a year of drifting on the water, Noah let out a dove that returned
to the ark with an olive leaf in its beak. But what significance could such a
small green twig have? The first verse of our chapter answers that question,
“And God remembered Noah.” This verse also tells us He remembered all the
animals as well. Let us not forget this.
But, above all else, God remembered Noah. The little twig in the dove’s beak
was evidence of this fact. It was like a letter from the Lord saying, “I have
not forgotten you and have not left you.” This is not superfluous. It is what
Psalmists sing of and Noah’s heart rests in.
Have you ever received a similar message from God? Perhaps when you
were sick you received a get-well card with a text perfectly fitting to your
need. Or maybe a sermon or a portion of God’s Word spoke to your heart.
This is the way the Lord encourages and comforts His people. Occasionally it
may be with something seemingly insignificant, yet it becomes very remarkable
because you are shown that the Lord thinks of you.
Thought: If we walk closer with the Lord, the little things in life become
more noteworthy.
Psalter 110:3 (based on Psalm 40)
Let all who seek Thee now rejoice, Yea, glad in Thee abide,
And, loving Thy salvation, say, The Lord be magnified.
My lowly state and bitter need The Lord has not forgot;
Thou art my Saviour and my help, Come, Lord, and tarry not.
