AUGUST 19 , 2023 – FLOOD

READ: Gen. 7:11-24: … And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. … and the Lord shut him in. … Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive.

When the time comes for the flood to come on the appointed day by God (v. 11), the Lord God Himself closes the door of the ark behind Noah. He and his family are the only ones left on earth who still fear the LORD. It is not easy to determine exactly how many people are living on the earth at that time. Many have lived for a very long time, often over 900 years, and have produced many children (Gen. 5).

Yet, true faith in God seems to have become extinct among the rest. This applies not only to the descendants of Cain but also to those of Seth. It means that the church at that time has become so apostate that God’s judgment is now coming upon her.

Noah spends a long time building the ark. It is a time of testing for him to hold fast to God and His promise. God has promised to make His covenant with Noah (6:18). But how will it go on if the whole world is destroyed? Yet, the LORD gives Noah perseverance in faith and strength to continue his task.

The message is clear: Repent, for your life is coming to an end! But people mock him and do not repent. Everything just keeps going as usual. There is no threat at all.

The Lord Jesus says in His discourse about the last days: “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.”

Our time is also a time of massive apostasy and wickedness. The Lord Himself warns us to remain faithful and persevere so as not to be caught off guard by His return (Matt. 24:36-51; 25:1-13).

Are you ready for the Lord’s return?

Singing: Ps. 73:11