As it was in the days of Noah

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | August 24, 2023 | *Matthew 24:33-44

KEY VERSE:

"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man" Matthew 24:37

MESSAGE:

In Matthew 24:37, Jesus draws a striking parallel between the days of Noah and the anticipated coming of the Son of Man, referring to His return. This comparison offers us profound insights into the state of humanity, the significance of spiritual preparedness, and the timeless relevance of Christ's teachings. The days of Noah were characterized by rampant wickedness, moral decay, and people going about their lives heedless of their spiritual state. In the midst of this darkness, Noah stood as a righteous man, chosen by God to build the ark. He preached righteousness and warned of the impending flood, yet people carried on with their routines, disregarding both Noah's message and the signs of God's impending judgment. When the flood came, it caught them unprepared, and they faced the consequences of their indifference. Just as people in Noah's time ignored the signs and message of impending judgment, humanity often tends to dismiss God's calls to repentance and readiness for Christ's return. The parallel highlights God's patience and mercy as He gave people ample time to turn from their ways during Noah's time. However, it also reminds us that God's patience has its limits, and a day of reckoning will eventually come. Just as the flood arrived unexpectedly, so will Christ's return. The comparison serves as a warning about spiritual complacency. Noah's faith in God's word set him apart in a world of disbelief. Likewise, followers of Christ are called to maintain their faith and obedience despite the prevailing scepticism and indifference.

Just as the ark provided salvation amidst the flood's judgment, Christ offers salvation amidst the judgment related to His return. Believers find security and refuge in Him, both in this life and in the life to come. Like Noah, we are called to share the Gospel with a sense of urgency. We are commissioned to warn others of the coming judgment and to point them to the salvation found in Christ. Just as Noah didn't know the exact day the flood would come, we do not know the day of Christ's return. Therefore, we should live each day in a state of readiness, cultivating our relationship with God and living out our faith. Through Christ's sacrifice, we have the opportunity to be saved from judgment and to experience His mercy.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Reflect on the urgency of readiness in your life. Are you living with the understanding that Christ's return could happen at any moment? How can you integrate this awareness into your daily decisions, relationships, and priorities? Consider the adjustments you might need to make to align your life with this readiness. As you spend time meditating on these questions, allow the lessons from the message to guide your thoughts and insights, leading you to a deeper understanding of your faith, preparedness, and relationship with God.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I understand that like the days of Noah, this world is characterized by rampant wickedness, moral decay and a life of total spiritual indifference. In the midst of this darkness, help me to stand as a righteous person, and integrate the awareness of your soon return into my daily decisions, relationships and priorities. Help me to deepen my faith and trust in your promises despite every external pressure. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! _________________________ BAPTIST Daily Study: COMING The word "coming" in this verse is translated from the Greek word "παρουσία" (parousia).

"παρουσία" (parousia): This Greek noun refers to a presence, arrival, or coming. It is often used in the context of the return of Christ, signifying His second coming or presence.

The term "coming" (parousia) holds profound significance, especially in the context of Jesus' teachings about the end times. It speaks of the imminent and glorious return of Christ. The comparison to the days of Noah illustrates the importance of vigilance and spiritual readiness.

The concept of "coming" prompts believers to consider their state of preparedness for Christ's return. It reminds us that our lives should reflect a constant awareness of His presence and the anticipation of His ultimate fulfilment of promises. Just as people were caught off guard in Noah's time, we're encouraged to live in a manner that reflects our faith and commitment to Christ's teachings.

Reflections

How can you cultivate an attitude of spiritual readiness and anticipation for Christ's return in your daily life? How does this understanding of Christ's "coming" influence your priorities, values, and the way you interact with others?