Just Like in Noah's Day

Genesis 7:1 - Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation." 

We are familiar with the story of Noah and the ark. We have known it since childhood. But how many believe it? Was it just a story? I believe it because the Bible "told me so." I also believe that history repeats itself...nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). 

If you remember the Noah story, you know that the reason for the ark was to save the lives of Noah, his family and anyone else who wished to be saved from a flood that was to occur. Of course, no flood had ever happened before, so Noah pretty much had to have faith in God alone and in that which was not seen. (Hebrews 11) So we are to believe also.

The world had turned corrupt (Genesis 6:11) Man had turned wicked and every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil. God was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart (Genesis 6:5-6). So He decided to destroy all living things, except those that would enter into the ark He asked Noah to build. He chose Noah because of his righteousness, his trust and devotion to God.

If history repeats itself, could it be this might happen again? I so totally believe this because I've read the Bible and I know how the end of the story will take place! God may not ask another earthly man to build yet another, greater ark, but I know a Man who became the ark. His name is Jesus.

After the flood, life began again...and again it became corrupt and evil, as evidenced throughout His Word. This time God sent His only Son to be born to become that ark in which all mankind would be allowed to enter into, into a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. Enter into Christ and be saved. Repent, admit your sin and weaknesses and enter into a life of righteousness, like Noah, and no longer have fear of what the evil in this world dishes out. 

Trust in the one true God. Commit your ways to Him. Share the Gospel and do it without being ashamed. Let your light shine in the world. Listen for the prompting of His Holy Spirit. This is all available for anyone who is willing to submit to the Lord. Our religion can't save us. Our goodness can't save us. But Jesus can. He is the Way, Truth and Life (the Door...to the ark). No one goes to the Father but by Him (John 14:6).

I know this hard for some to believe. But read Genesis 6 and 7 for yourself. It's an easy read! See what happened to the people who did not choose to enter into the ark. Jesus saves! Enter in. If you've balked all your life, it's not too late. He will not reject a heart willing to seek Him now. Just as Noah walked with God, so can we all...through Jesus Christ.

Hallelujah! Do you trust God and believe with all your heart? This is for you:

Romans‬ ‭10:8-11‬ ‭- But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

Back to the Beginning

Genesis 6:11-12 - The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

It's that time of year...back to the beginning in Genesis, reading about Noah. Every time I read it it feels more like today than the year before. My question is, when will others notice this? When will others begin to see the corruptness in this world? When will others take it seriously?

Noah was called by God to build an ark that he and his family, and anyone else who wanted to join them, would be saved from the flood He was going to send to cleanse the world of the sinfulness. And only Noah and his family were saved. The others didn't take Noah, or God, seriously. Today we have Jesus. He is the Door by which we must enter to be saved.

Noah and his family took building the ark seriously. They were eight in number. Eight out of how many thousands or more? And today we have thousands or more who believe we are going through what Noah did, not only a spiritual hardness but a worldly corruptness. Thousands of believers out of billions. That sounds like what Jesus says: Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:14)  It's not difficult to find the way, but difficult to be determined to walk on that path.

I'm believing times will have to get even worse before the world understands. There are just too many distractions, too much success to achieve, too much "fun" to have to notice the decline in morality. I'm not saying we shouldn't be working to make ends meet, or enjoy time with family and friends. But is God a part of any of this? Is He thought of or discussed at all?

We must start getting our priorities in order. God is first. Noah trusted God when all others laughed at him. So when I say it looks like we are in the last days, am I being laughed at too?

I'm not going to belabor this issue. Just know biblical history repeats itself. The next disaster will not be a flood but fire (2Peter 3:7). Can you think of any ways that might be possible? As in the days of Noah...

Matthew 24:37-39 - But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Relevant Teaching??

1Thessalonians 2:13 -  For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

Seems like relevance is a word being used the past couple weeks at church. I've mentioned time and again about how the Bible is relevant to today. Only thing is, it's not my quote! For those who know and take the time to know the Bible, we know relevance is everywhere. Our pastor, Terry Fischer at The Church in Wisconsin, said this one Sunday: I want to preach a very relevant subject...so I'm going to use the Bible! Oh, yes!

If we want to know what truth is we need to know God and we can find evidence of Him from Genesis to Revelation. From In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1) to He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen (Revelation 22:20-21).

I wrote the other day about Jesus being His own testimony...in the Word as the Word. The One who created the heavens and the earth, who came down from His throne and stepped into sinful mankind's world to show us who He was (and is and is to be) and that He would so lovingly redeem us if we would only believe, humbling Himself by becoming obedient to death--even death on a cross--enduring beatings, mocking, being spit upon, and piercing, all without complaint, without even one word to justify Himself...because He was not only the Son of God but God.

What's the relevance? That He, Jesus Christ, is the only true Way to salvation, righteousness, reconciliation once again with God our Father and the surety of eternal life. Oh, the relevance in that!

As Pastor Terry mentioned a couple Sundays ago, while the world was about their daily lives, doing what people do, Noah was about the only thing that, even if he didn't understand the why about what he was doing, he did anyway, in pure faith...he built an ark. Noah, like Jesus, was jeered by the multitude. Relevant? In today's world, yes. Anyone who wants to share the truth of Jesus and the Word of God gets jeered, or worse, persecuted. It is no longer politically correct to mention God's name in public or to see the signs of our faith.

These people are not focused on what God says, and will be like all those people clamoring to enter the ark when the rains come someday. They'll be pounding on the door for entry into security, hoping to be removed from their own torment just like those people while Noah and his family were in the safety of the ark.

Another blog awhile back was about the ark and the door. Jesus is that door. He is the safety we can cling to if we keep our hearts, eyes and minds focused on Him. He is at the doors to so many souls. He's knocking that they might receive Him. Receive Him that the security of eternal life would be so real and there will be no furnace of fire where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth, or the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night...(Matthew 13:42, Revelation 14:11a). Imagine these people who did not listen to Noah, who mocked him as he built this huge boat, as he talked about the rain and flood to come.

Today this same story is relevant because it prophesies what it will be like in the last days when those who have heard Jesus knocking at their hearts but did not open their hearts to receive Him. What's the knocking? It's those preaching, teaching or discussing the message that seems like foolishness. Where is this God spoken of? How can we believe in something we can't see? Believing and receiving are action words. There is something you must first do in order to "get it."

John 12:48 - He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

The Ark

Genesis 6:8-9 - But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

I returned last Saturday from a church bus trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Two of the highlights of the trip were two plays we saw, The Passion Play and Noah, the Musical. We all know the story behind the Passion of Christ. We all know the story of Noah. I know I've written about the symbolism behind Noah and his ark. Something about seeing this play struck the hearts of nearly everyone on the trip. It was all the talk.

There's so much about this account of Noah that can be said. He was 500 years old when God told him to build the ark. It took 100 years. 

Noah's dedication to God was immense. He did not question God. He just did. The earth had never seen rain or flooding so how could he comprehend these things? The earth then was replenished with moisture like that of a terrarium. The earth had enough moisture beneath the surface and the earth's atmosphere held in just what was needed. No rain. The gentle hand of a loving God provided.

But God was fed up to say the least with the corruption of the earth. "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth," God told Noah in verse 13. He wanted to start over with Noah and his small family of eight, three sons and their wives, and he and his wife. He would destroy all things beneath heaven and since He found Noah righteous, He gave him and his family favor. He would establish a covenant with Noah. A covenant initiated by God is everlasting as opposed to man who tends to break covenant time and again. I wish I could go into more detail about covenants here. The symbolism is amazing.

Noah and his sons built the ark and no doubt as they did the people questioned them as they told them of God's plan. The people couldn't fathom what a flood was having never experienced such a thing so they mocked and scoffed. But Noah stood his ground because He trusted and believed in his LORD. Reminds me of the scripture in 2Corinthians 4:18 - while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. By faith Noah trusted enough. It's what God desires of each of us too in today's world. How many really do? Are we consumed with the things we have and do and do not even consider what happens when we die?? The people of Noah's day did that and look where they ended up.

After 100 years of building and putting up with the scoffing, the ark was finished. By God's hand the animals were lead in two by two, along with Noah and his family. God, not Noah, closed the (only) door to the ark. There's another scripture in Revelation 3:8 that says “... See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name."  This sounds like Noah...he did not deny God nor go against all he was told to do, despite the pressure and mocking of all others. God finalizes this 100 years of ark building. He had given the people plenty of time to reconsider their ways. Now the door closes and the rains begin...and continue...and continue. 

In the play you hear the screams on the other side of the door. Friends, neighbors, even family members. You see the anguish of Noah's family because they cannot open the door. It's too late. They didn't trust in what they couldn't see, only in what they saw before them in their lives. God's wrath on the world will come again, despite the people who scoff today. All life outside the relationship with Jesus, the Ark, will perish.

After the intermission we were told to be sure to be in our seats for the second half. Don't miss a thing. As the lights came on little by little we saw an expansion of the ark, On both sides of the auditorium were three tiers of rooms (make rooms in the ark, Genesis 6:14) that housed animals (most animated, some real) and foodstuffs. It was breathtaking. 

As the play continued we saw how Noah's family cared for the animals and made a life for themselves for over 300 days. And at last, without going into detail, they were on dry ground and were able to exit the ark to a new world.

The end of the play was upon us. We saw the ark slowly coming apart and forming a cross. What we saw next was incredible. The ark door opened once again and a great white light and "smoke" appeared. Out stepped Jesus. He said: I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved. I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (John 10:9, 14:6, Acts 4:12) In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).

The ark symbolizes the promise of eternal life in Christ. Jesus is the only Door to this life.  If one chooses not to receive Christ (enter into the ark), that door is closed in his last days. Like Noah and his family, they represented the few who received the invitation to enter into the ark. Today there also are few and the way is narrow and few enter by the narrow gate.

Just as Noah was delivered from the flood, we can be delivered through Jesus Christ. Many hear these words but most do not accept them seriously. The covenant God initiated with Noah still stands today. The ark is Jesus Christ. He is the only Door to everlasting life. It is one that must purposely be stepped into. It's not about knowing Jesus, it's about being in relationship with Him. It's trusting in Him despite what the world thinks, how it also has a purpose...to take God out of all areas of life...the mockers, the scoffers, the unbelievers. If anyone is lax in that belief, that door will close. That Door means life. Like the ark, there are many dwelling places that He has prepared for us. There is one for each who enter into relationship with Jesus.

One last detail about the play itself...only Jesus Christ was seen at the end. No accolades to or bows from actors. All the glory was given to God...as it should be. 

As the trip came to a close, it was noted that word after word, event after event was about oneness. Oneness in each other as we traveled together peacefully. Oneness knowing that God was with us each step of the way and even showing us in incredible ways how He was looking out for us, bringing perfect moments at just the right time, providing for us and blessing not just us but others whose paths crossed with ours. When we come to Christ, these things can be lived out daily. It's well worth the choice of receiving God, being counted as His, having His covenant be for each of us. That covenant is Jesus Christ. Find grace through Him. The greatest oneness is being in Christ.

Another day will come when the door will be closed permanently. People even mock this. The Bible tells us in Revelation about God's wrath on earth. All those outside the will of God and have chosen not to be in Christ, will perish. But until that day Jesus continues to pursue: 

John 6:37 - “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

Consider Noah

Genesis 7:1 - Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation."

Wow. God spoke to Noah. God told him He considered him righteous. God picked the right man for the right job.

Noah was brave. He was definitely a man of faith. He heard God speak, he listened and most importantly, he obeyed. He obeyed even though others thought he was out of his mind. And look where it took him...being righteous in God's eyes.

We are living in that perverse generation the Bible tells us about. Philippians 2:15-16 surprisingly says Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children  of  God above reproach in the midst of a crooked  and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights  in the world. 

Noah went ahead with the task set before him without questioning God, without grumbling about the amount of time it would take to build an ark, without really knowing what lay ahead. He just did it. He listened daily to the commands. He obeyed God despite the people around him. He told anyone and everyone the reason for the ark and that God had called him to do this. But they scoffed. 

No one wanted to listen to Noah speak the things God had told him to warn them about. They wanted to keep their heads in the sand. As Noah and his family gathered all the animals into the ark awaiting the great flood, the others, as later mentioned in Matthew:  were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark. When the waters rose and they realized their dilemma and their choice not to listen, they pleaded with Noah for safety. But it was too late. Too late.

I sort of see this with Glenn Beck! He's about as in your face about warnings as they come. The Church should be doing the same thing. We as Christians who believe we are seeing the signs, as in the days of Noah, should be vocal as well. We know what this will mean. It will mean we will be considered as nuts as Noah was. We've heard it all before...Christ says He's going to return, but I don't see it...Yeah, right!! If people don't want to hear or heed, another day will come that it, too, will be too late.

His return is a mystery to us. That's why the Bible tells us we are to be prepared now. We are not to wait until it's too late. We are to have faith and believe what God says...one being to believe in Him so you will not perish and have eternal life (John 3:16). There are few people who receive Christ and regret it later. Some walk away but I can't help but feel there is a nagging in their souls knowing they've turned their backs on God. Once you get a taste... 

We are told For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be (Matthew 24:27). All I can hope is that there will be yet another sign of sorts that will stir people into just maybe believing that God is truly in control of all things. We might be seeing the signs right now.  He could be getting ready to return. The Bible, on the other hand, talks about needing to see signs instead of just having faith. Signs are what people desire. That thing we can put our fingers on. Matthew 16:4 says An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign... The Pharisees and Saducees wanted Jesus to give them divine signs from heaven as proof He was who He said. His answer was above and He refused their request. They'd seen his healings but they wanted more. Is that what's happening today?

For Noah and his family, they experienced the loss of all life but their own and the animals they gathered. God separated them, like He still does today. He separates believers and their beliefs from those who do not want to believe. Noah and his family saw the land God had given them destroyed. Oh, the days ahead for this family. Genesis 8:1 says "then God remembered Noah and every living thing within the ark." He remembered! Not that He really forgot. He knew just what He was doing. But it was finally time for a rebuilding of this earth. Imagine the faith Noah now had in this awesome God. How could one forget what He just did?

The great flood, the waters...we are cleansed by water. Although we are told God will never cause another flood to destroy this earth, it has been suggested that fire may be the next thing that consumes...2Peter 3:7: By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. God is known as a consuming fire. But if we consider Noah and heed God's warnings and obey and trust in the Lord, like Noah we will be considered righteous and saved.

If history repeats itself, and I think we all believe this, then maybe we should pay attention to the signs today. Take a step to believe what God has told us, how examples have been set before us to heed. Receive Christ, receive wisdom, receive truth and understanding. Let's not be counted among those Jude talks about:

Jude 1:18 - ... "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires."