Monday April 22: 17 Aviv

According to some traditions and interpretations of Scripture, this is the day that Noah’s ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat, as recorded in Genesis 8:

“Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat.” (Genesis 8:4)

The seventh month is interpreted, at least according to the tradition that we’re citing, to be the month Aviv. That’s because, until God made Aviv the beginning of the year in Exodus 12, the month Tishri was considered to be the head of the year. If the month referred to here is, indeed, the month of Aviv, then the ark resting on the mountains of Ararat has a significant relationship to the resurrection of the Messiah.

The 17th day of Aviv would be the third day since the 14th of Aviv which was the preparation day for Passover, and that was the day Yeshua was crucified. In other words, it is very possible that the Messiah rose again, obtaining salvation and redemption for us all, on the same day that Noah’s ark rested from the trial of sea and waves. The ark is symbolic of Christ because, only in Him, we find safety and security from the judgments that are most certainly coming upon the earth. In fact, He told the congregation of Philadelphia:

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11)

When the enemy comes in like a flood of waters, it’s far too easy for us to become distracted and lose sight of the simple truth that our trust in Him is what will see us through our trials. That is why, in this special season of the year, we need to refocus on the fact that we must commit ourselves to persevere and overcome. We must place our complete confidence in Him and not what’s going on around us. We must remain determined to take up our cross and follow Him, each and every step of the way. Sometimes it may seem as if we are drifting aimlessly upon the waters of life but, if we are in Him – our Ark – we will come to rest in the place He has prepared for us. As it turns out, He’s the only One who knows how to get to where we need to be, anyway.