When the time of salvation had come, and Noah and his family had entered the ark, it was not Noah who sealed the door—it was God Himself. “Then the Lord shut him in.” (Genesis 7:16). This was no ordinary closing of a door; it was a divine act of protection and judgment, a boundary set by grace itself.
For years, Noah had labored, preaching through his obedience, offering an open door to those who would listen. But when the flood began, the time for choosing had ended. The same door that had stood open as an invitation now became a barrier, separating salvation from destruction. Those inside were kept safe, not by their own effort, but by the grace of God. Those outside, who had ignored the warnings, found themselves shut out—not by cruelty, but by the consequences of their own disbelief.
This moment reveals a deep truth: grace is freely given, but it is not without boundaries. God is patient, allowing time for repentance, but there comes a moment when the door must close. It is not for man to decide when mercy ends or judgment begins—God alone holds that authority. He extends His grace, offering shelter to those who trust Him, but He also secures the door at the appointed time.
Just as the ark was a refuge in the storm, God remains a refuge for those who seek Him. His grace welcomes all who enter, but He alone determines the time when the invitation ends. This serves as both a comfort and a warning: while the door remains open today, tomorrow is not promised. The wise do not wait for the rain to fall before seeking shelter—they enter while the door still stands open.
The door of the ark was shut by His hand,
A boundary set by grace’s command.
For years it stood, an open way,
Yet mercy does not wait for stray.
Noah had called, his warnings true,
Yet laughter rose from those who knew.
They saw the door, they felt no fear,
Until the flood was drawing near.
Then thunder roared, the heavens wept,
The rivers swelled, the waters crept.
They ran, they cried, they sought the gate,
But grace had set its final fate.
For God had closed the door with care,
To keep the righteous sheltered there.
Not by their strength, nor by their might,
But by His love, they stood in light.
So now the world still stands in choice,
To heed the call, to hear His voice.
The door is open, wide and free,
But none shall force eternity.
For when He shuts, no hand can pry,
No plea can change the set goodbye.
So seek Him now, while hope remains,
Before the storm, before the rains.
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