
A sermon by Rev. Prof. Joseph Osafo-Adu
Shut me in and lead me out II: Go out of the ark
Genesis 8:16, 17
Ephesians 2:10
Although the earth had the potential to bring out life after the flood, the ark had all the living things that wouldn't be able to sprout on their own. God entrusted Noah with keeping those animals. At that point in time, he literally had all the animals in the world. When God asked Noah to release those animals back into the world, it was an invitation to him to lay down all his resources in trust, and join God in rebuilding the world.
Christianity is a practice of living a certain kind of patterned life. There is a pattern for living your life as a co-builder with God. A resource is buried inside of you that God wants you to use with Him. Don't fixate on your weaknesses and downplay your strengths. Believe it as a child of God that you have something God needs you to use.
The ark was a temporal place. The animals couldn't live on the arc to the fullest. They had to be brought out to be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. Its the same way you can't reach your full potential if you don't apply your God-given resources. You need to come out into the world. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace growth. With God by your side, you will be fruitful.