Davis - Keepers of Salt

The night was dark and stormy. The wind was blowing, and tensions were high. The storm didnt rage just on the outside of the boat, but inside too, as all of the animals began to criticize and complain about each other to Noah. The time was two weeks after God had shut the door of the ark.

Misses Cat came to Noah; with her prissy little voice she said, Mr. Noah, did you know there was a dog on this boat?

Noah replied, Why, yes I did. I even helped him on board. Whats wrong with the dog?

Well you see Mr. Noah, I have my baby kitties to think about and that dog just keeps looking at them. I know hes up to no good. He has a bad reputation. I have heard stories about him. I know you think you have done well to invite him on your boat, but after all, we do have the children to think about! You cant mix cats and dogs. I think he should leave and if he doesnt, I will!

Noah took Misses cat by the paw and led her up to the window at the top of the ark. After opening the window, he lifted the cat so she could see. Then he said, You have a problem because the dog is going to stay. If you want to leave, out there is the only place you can go!

Looking outside at the dark and stormy rage, the cat shuddered as her hair stood up on end. She turned to Noah and said, I guess that old dog isnt as bad as I thought. I think Ill stay.

Noah thought his problems were over until he turned and saw that many of the other animals had problems as well.

Madam Duck arrived, much concerned because the monkeys had been playing with her baby ducks. Mr. Noah, I raised my children well. Have you noticed how they march all in a row? Well, just two weeks playing with those monkeys and theyre all over the boat. Its going to take me weeks to retrain them. I think the monkeys should go. If they dont, I will!

Nobody liked the skunk. The porcupine was needling everyone. The lion had a big mouth. The parrots were the biggest gossips. The elephant was always rocking the boat. And of course, no one could stand the peacock; he was so proud everyone was sick of him!

One by one, Noah took them up to the window. Showing them the darkness and death, Noah would ask them, Do you want to stay here with all of us, or go out there? This is the only boat that floats. Its your choice.

Trembling with fear, each one of the animals backed away in shame from the window and decided to stay.

Growing up, I often heard my father relate this story when he was trying to drive home a specific point. What I have come to discover is that the church is much like my dads tale of the animals in Noahs ark. Yes there are problems, but the church is the only boat that floats. The Family of God is our place of safety. It is the ark provided in the midst of lifes dark and stormy rage. Jesus Himself is the door. He is our Eternal Covenant and all of those who are inside His house are in Covenant with Him and with each other.