Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man
There has been a lot of speculation lately about when the rapture of the church will take place. While people have been speculating for many years, the prognosticating appears to be accelerating as we approach the return of Jesus. There is good reason for this. Jesus said it will be as in the days of Noah when He returns. He explains that people will be eating, drinking and marrying, just like they did in Noah’s day. But I believe the clearest indication is that the people will be living for themselves rather than living for God, just as they did in Noah’s day.
We should take time to consider the condition of the world when Noah was instructed to build the ark.
In Genesis 6:5 we are told:
Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
This sounds like our world today as the majority of people are not interested in the things of God, but have created their own gods, or worship no god at all, but worship the creature rather than the Creator.
When God saw the condition of the earth in Genesis, He chose Noah, who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God continues to dispense grace in abundance to those who call on the name of the Lord to be saved.
Noah was given a project by the Lord…build an ark. We don’t know exactly how long it took him to build the ark, but estimates are between 100 to 120 years.
I’m sure it wasn’t much to look at after 30 years. Or even 50 years. But can you picture what the ark looked like two weeks before it was complete? I’m sure Noah was getting very excited, knowing it was almost finished. What was he thinking as the animals started to board the ark?!
Once God closed the door to the ark, there was no turning back.
We live in the days of Noah. The world is still doing what they normally do, but the ark is just about complete. I’m not talking about an actual ark. I’m referring to the rapture of the church which Scripture tells us will take place in the last days.
The Bible also tells us what life on earth during the last days will look like. As we compare the Scriptures to current world events, we can almost see the animals boarding the ark. Noah didn’t know the exact day when God would start the flood. But he was fully aware that the ark was complete, and the animals were onboard.
We don’t know the actual day of the return of our Savior, but I perceive the ramp to the ark is beginning to close. It appears the rain is beginning, and all of the biblical players are taking their position to fulfill prophecy right before our very eyes.
This shouldn’t cause us to fear, but to be excited for His return! At the same time, we should be telling others about the good news of Jesus Christ, and what He has done for us, before the door is closed for good! Jesus gave US the same commission He gave the disciples before He ascended to heaven; go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). Keep looking up…our redemption draws nearer every day!