Genesis 8:15-19
And God spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark, thou,
and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. Bring forth with
thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of
cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may
breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.
And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him:
every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon
the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark.
After it was clear that the earth was suitable for habitation,
the eight people and all the animals left the ark. This was 377 days after they
had entered it (cf. 7:11 with 8:13–14). The theme of “rest” seems to be quite
strong throughout the story. The ark rested (v. 4); at first the dove could
find no place to set its feet (v. 9; lit., “could not find a resting place for
its feet”). When the ark came to rest on Ararat, this was more than a physical
landing on dry ground. It was a new beginning; the world was clean and at rest.[1]
For our great grandparents, it was a new beginning, a fresh
start, and a chance for a reset.
So, what are we referring to? Historically the phrase “clean
slate” comes from the use of chalk and slates in classroom environments. It’s a chance to start over without preconceptions. A new
start—a brand new beginning; especially clearing the record of mistakes,
failures, regrets, and missed opportunities.
We give ourselves permission to believe that we can move
forward living with a slate that is cleaned. It may have been through confession,
reassurance, or checking, but the future is clearly in view now. Optimism surrounding
prospects is our new focus and motivation.
It is paramount that we let go of the past, identify areas we
need to revamp, and intentionally guide our lives forward towards moving
trajectories (Phil. 3:8-14). With heightened self-awareness and rock solid fortitude,
it is possible, even if we cannot completely erase history, for us to start
with a relatively clean slate.
A fresh start involves a clearing of the mind, body, and
soul, making way for new ideas, concepts, realities, and dreams (Phil. 4:4-9).
Yes, your entire being can undergo this fresh start, your career, your personal
experiences, your faith, your health/physics, your habits, your goals, and
really any maturation or positive changes to your routines. A reset can and
should involve every area of your life as indicated in Genesis 6-8.
The unclean raven (v. 7) and the clean dove (v. 8) are good
illustrations of the believer’s old and new natures. The old nature loves to
feed on garbage and carrion whereas the new nature cannot find satisfaction in
a scene of death and judgment. It finds no rest until it sets its feet on
resurrection ground.[2]
Standing firmly on resurrection ground embrace this chance to
begin again—to try again, hope again and even attempt something glorifying to
God, but never expected. You see, this is your time of resurrection, restoration,
and helpful change. I personally believe God is always working behind the
scenes in our lives to bring about new beginnings.
In the world of psychology, a clean slate is rooted in the
idea that we often view new beginnings as a chance to distance ourselves
from past disappointments and deficiencies. This can lead to a kind of reset,
with us experiencing a renewed sense of optimism, self-efficacy, and
motivation. It sounds so inviting and promising to the child of God!
A fresh start in Christ, an innovative definition of self with
the Lord at our center and redefining yourself with God’s definitions can be
igniting! What a powerful way to begin a new routine, a new habit, set new
goals, and to include a supporting mechanism of family and friends to help you
succeed in Christ. I am excited about what the future promises for you. Your
time…is now.
[1]
Allen P. Ross, “Genesis,” in The
Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 39–40.
[2]
William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 44.
