…40 days seems to be a time of testing and transition. For those who pass the test there is a new world to enjoy:<\/p>\n
A world washed clean.
\nFace to face with the LORD.
\nA land of milk and honey.
\nVictory over the enemy.
\nSalvation.
\nThe defeat of the devil.
\nThe new creation.<\/p>\n
But the flood story tells us this \u201d\u201c we can\u2019t endure the test by ourselves. The salvation beyond judgement is for one person only. It is the ultimate Noah, the ultimate Moses, the ultimate David \u201d\u201c Christ \u201d\u201c who endures on our behalf. Those who trust Him are hidden with Him, the way the Ark\u2019s passengers were hidden with Noah. But, on the other side, we benefit from His victory.<\/p>\n
None of us can pass the ultimate test. We cannot transition to the ultimate destination. But Jesus Christ has. He has crushed the devil and defeated sin and death. He has made it to the throne of heaven and offers us new life if we simply hide ourselves in Him. For now there is testing: \u201cDo not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering\u201d\u009d (1 Peter 4;12). But beyond these \u201c40 days\u201d\u009d our Saviour will<\/i> bring us to rest.<\/p>\n