As the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be.  For in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking and marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah boarded the ark.  They didn’t know until the flood came and swept them all away.  So this is the way the coming of the Son of Man will be:  Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left.  Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and one will be left.  Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.  But know this:  If the homeowner had know what time the thief was coming, he would have stayed alert and not let his house be broken into.  This is why you also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  Matthew 24:37-44 HCSB

We all know that sin was introduced into the world by Adam and Eve, but remember that things went steadily downhill after that.  In Genesis 6, we see that God was basically disgusted with mankind.  Verse five tells us that God saw man’s wickedness was widespread on earth and that every scheme in man’s mind was evil all the time.  Verse six goes on to say that God regretted making man and was grieved in His heart.  As I type this it breaks my heart to think of the many times I have grieved God with my behavior.  I have sinned against God.  Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  But that doesn’t lessen my sin or make me feel any better about it. It just assures me that I have a lot of company in that area.

Man had become so wicked during Noah’s time that God decided to wipe them all out and start over.  He found Noah to be faithful and instructed him to build this ark.  Genesis 6:9 tells us that Noah was chosen for this task because he was found to be a righteous man, blameless among his peers and that he walked with God.  So in all this evil and corrupt world God saw Noah as this shining light and decided to spare him, his wife, his sons and his daughters-in-law.  God gave Noah very specific instructions on building the ark, and Noah did as God instructed.

Now in south Louisiana, someone building an ark would probably be considered wise.  Flooding is a common occurrence around here, but in Noah’s day it was unheard of.  This left everyone around thinking that Noah was a few fries shy of a happy meal.  But Noah pressed on and built this ark.  He didn’t let what others thought or said influence him, he focused on doing what God had instructed him to do.

Now our scripture passage today is in Matthew.  So we fast forward through the flood where only Noah and his sons and daughters-in-law are spared. We get to Isaiah and in chapter 1 verse 2 Isaiah says, Listen heavens, and pay attention, earth, for the Lord has spoken:  “I have raised children and brought them up and they have rebelled against Me.  He goes on in verse 4 to call them a sinful nation of people weighed down with iniquity.  Isaiah goes on to tell them in chapter 9 that although there is gloom, there is hope.  He tells them that God is going to send the Messiah to them to save them from their sins.  And of course we know in the new testament that this promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ

Throughout the bible, we see those that were evil and eventually are destroyed and those that are faithful that are spared.  We spoke of this with Joseph just the other day.  Although Joseph went through some horrific circumstances, he always rose to the top.

The news reports today are full of evil and corruption.  From sexual abuse in the churches to widespread corruption in our political leadership.  I made a decision several years ago that I will not be left behind when the rapture occurs.  I became diligent about my desire to walk close to God.  I drew close to Him and determined to get it right this time.  This doesn’t make me perfect.  This doesn’t mean that I never sin.  It just means that I try my best not to.  It means that I am in close relationship with the Lord.  It means that I feel His presence in my life.  It means that I can live boldly without fear (most of the time).  Every now and then I will admit to a momentary slip.

God used the flood to wipe the slate clean and start over with Noah and his family.  He sent Jesus Christ into a sinful world to give us an opportunity to trust in Him.  God is sending Jesus again to bring His children home.  I don’t know about you, but I am ready to go.  I am perfectly willing to do the work that God has called me to do here until He calls me home, but when He has my place ready, I am ready to go.  Revelation 21:4 tells us that He will wipe away every tear.  There will be no more dying, no more crying and no more pain.  All that will be a thing of the past.

Throughout the bible we see those that walk closely with the Lord protected and brought through horrific circumstances unscathed.  I plan to do just that until the Lord brings me home, won’t you come along with me?

Have a great day!