As in the days of Noah

Pastor Charles Cooley
3/25/08

Men have always wanted to know what is coming next? Jesus' disciples were no different. Jesus had just predicted the destruction of the Temple and they wanted to know when it would happen. Jesus unveiled for them the events and circumstances that would accompany the end of the age (Matthew 24:1-42). After revealing many events that would be happening, He explained that these events would be like a woman's birth pangs, which occur with more and more frequency and intensity as the time for birth nears. Some of the signs mentioned were earthquakes, famines, and pestilences. It is well known that when people hear about events over and over they often become desensitized saying things like, "Oh well, there have always been earthquakes and famines, etc". That is the point of greatest danger, because they are unprepared. Yes, there have been earthquakes and famines for as long as anyone can remember, but, have they like birth pains been increasing in number and devastation ? the answer is YES!

Chart 1 is taken from Munich Re 2004 Annual Disaster Reports ranging from storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, wild fires, droughts and landslides. From 1990 there has been nearly a three-fold increase. Since 1950, there has been a worldwide increase in Great Natural Catastrophes of 400%, while the economics losses from these events has risen an astounding 1400%!

Other events Jesus foretold have certainly come true in our lifetime. The article Wars and Genocides of the 20th Century chronicles the 20th century as the most war-like century of all time! Persecution of Christian believers world-wide is also at a record high. But, perhaps the most vivid prediction is, "because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12). Who cannot see this prediction before our eyes? The nightly news is filled with murders, rapes, fraud, and even almost inhuman attacks. The family is broken apart and one of the most steadfast 'loves' among humans, that of a mother for her baby, is eroded by abortion.

Jesus also taught that even in the midst of rebellion and lawlessness, the gospel of the kingdom would be preached as a witness to all the nations. Islam represents the largest unreached people group today, but that is changing. Joel Rosenberg's recent report, The Big Untold Story in the Middle East, reveals that Moslems by the tens of thousands are coming to faith in Jesus right now. It is difficult to find a nation today that has not had a 'witness' of the gospel of the kingdom, as Jesus predicted.

In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us these things will occur during a period of time that would be like the 'days of Noah'. Now we know Noah also lived at a time when society was crumbling. Wickedness abounded so much that God had to destroy mankind in a great flood. It is not hard to see that we live in such a time. But, there is another aspect to the 'days of Noah' scenario that is often lost. Noah and his family prepared for what was coming. They had never seen it rain, but in faith, they prepared for it to rain. How did they prepare? Well, they did at least three things: 1) They drew together and got close to God. The prophet Malachi records that God has a book of remembrance for those who fear the Lord and who spoke to one another (Malachi 3:16). In other words, they developed fellowship. Not just a few hours on Sunday, but close daily fellowship. 2) They continued witnessing to the people around them. They weren't responsible for the results, only for being witnesses! You see, we may plant a seed, but it is only God that can cause it to grow. So, we shouldn't become discouraged if we are not like a Paul or Peter, Noah preached for 120 years without a convert! 3) They prepared physically by building a boat and gathering food. I'm sure there were many other things to be gathered as well, such as fire wood, drinking water, clothing, etc. There are many good resources to help us with this endeavor, such as Dare To Prepare! by Holly Drennan Deyo.

As we see these events Jesus predicted occurring with greater frequency and intensity, we should look to Noah as a role model and prepare as he prepared.