HOPE

Genesis 6:10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.

Ever notice that when a movie does really well, the director and/or producer start thinking about a trilogy? The number three holds special meaning for many cultures at many points in history. There is meaning to be mined that exists just below the surface in many points of scripture. Not a super spiritual meaning, not a key that unlocks spiritual blessing, just a fuller understanding of what scripture is communicating that takes a little digging.

Noah's three sons are named three times in the flood narrative; this is the first of the three times they are named. Any time you see a set of three referred to three times it is time to start asking some questions. Why are they mentioned? What is the significance? Where else is this group mentioned and where else are there groups of three mentioned? 

In the ancient world a son meant hope for the future of your family line. In this case not just Noah's line but all of humanity. Three sons was like God  telling Noah and the first people to hear the story of Noah, "Even though the future looks bleak, harsh, hopeless, empty, there is a hope for the future. This mess will not be the end of the story." 

We all experience set backs, we experience let downs. Those of us who breathe air have in the past and will experience in the future varying degrees of darkness. Noah bringing three sons onto the Ark reminds us that setbacks are not always just setbacks. Sometimes setbacks are set-ups for something more meaningful and life altering. And let downs are not always just let downs. Sometimes let downs, with a little letting go, can result in a lift off! 

I guess what I am trying to say is that the current situation the current mess does not have to be the end of the story.

Just a Meandering Thought...