The Raven & the Dove
Genesis 8:6-12
6 So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made.
7 Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth.
8 He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground.
9 But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself.
10 And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark.
11 Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth.
12 So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore.
When faced with doors that will not open, we are often perplexed regarding how to proceed. Like Noah we need to open a window. Windows provide a glimpse into what we cannot yet enter. Utilising windows is an invaluable step towards opening doors.
Interestingly, Noah released through the window, both a raven and a dove. As believers we recognise the dove as an emblem of peace and a depiction of the Spirit of God. Moving with sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is essential when in transition or venturing into the new. But what of the raven? Ravens are considered unclean birds (Leviticus 11:15). As such they speak of the flesh and natural realm. While some believers rely only on the dove, and view the raven as unspiritual and irrelevant, Noah released both.
The action of these two birds provide insight into the role of the natural and supernatural within our lives, especially in the area of guidance. When Noah sent out the raven it went “to and fro until the waters dried up” (v.7). Such is the nature of human wisdom and understanding. It goes to and fro. It looks at things from every angle and considers options. The human mind is a brilliant computer designed by God to process information. It is seldom inactive and will constantly assess and re-evaluate the information it receives. This is normal. This is why the raven also needs the dove.
While the raven is busy flying to and fro, the dove looks for a place to land. When it could find “no resting place, the dove returned to the ark”. Our ability to recognise the return of the dove is important. Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 10:
12 And when you go into a household, greet it.
13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
Our peace returns when there is no resting place. Like Noah, we need to take the dove and draw it back to ourselves (v.9). We do not need to be anxious or overwhelmed. We simply need to hold onto peace within ourselves even when we do not find it in the situation we are in.
Notice that Noah simply sent out the raven, but he sent the dove out “from himself” (v.8). This distinction is important. Thoughts, ideas, recommendations will fly everywhere and go in all directions. Their input is good but limited. Keeping abreast of the facts is wise, but do not ignore the dove. Jesus considered peace to be so vital to our guidance that He instructed us to shake the dust off when we leave situations devoid of peace. Don’t let unrest, disappointment, or contention cling to you. Shake it off and look for the dove.
When Noah brought the dove back to himself, he waited. Often guidance is not only a question of direction but timing. When released the second time, the dove returned with “a fresh plucked olive leaf in her mouth” (v.11). When the right time is at hand, peace will speak. It will carry to us something fresh from the Lord. This is more than the promise we have been standing on. It is now a word that comes from the heart of God.
Finally, Noah released the dove, and she “did not return” (v.12). Peace had found a resting place. The fullness of time had come to step into the Lord’s provision. Timing is revealed by peace. We are often heading in the right direction, or waiting behind the correct door, but timing is a crucial factor. It is discerned through the awareness of peace.
If you cannot yet see what the Lord has for you and doors are not opening, then look for windows. Look for opportunities to send out the raven by getting wisdom, seeking information, and gaining understanding. They are part of the journey, but do not forget the dove. Peace will reveal what our mind cannot comprehend. Peace guides when we cannot see. It instructs when there is no information and keeps us sensitive in the midst of uncertainty and delay.
Consider:
Have you been concerned that your mind cannot settle? Recognise it is the raven. It is designed to go to and fro and consider all options. Become aware of the dove and look for where peace settles.
Do you need to wipe your feet? Dust from previous situations can remain with us. It is hard to recognise peace when unrest, contention, or disappointment clings to our feet and obscures our path. Future decisions depend upon dealing well with the past.
