I wonder what it was like for Noah. He worked on the ark for more than one hundred years. His neighbors no doubt made fun of him, yet his actions spoke against them in condemnation for the sin in their lives.
By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)
MacArthur speaks to me with, “Your actions and words should rebuke our godless society.” When I think of the woman fighting for the right of free speech, I know that the cost of rebuking can be high indeed. However, we are living in a time much like Noah did. Is God asking His people to step up and be heard? Is He asking me?
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)
Noah’s world was a mess. Before moving in judgment against the most evil and corrupt society in history, God appointed him to build an ark. This has become a symbol of life and salvation to all who believe God. For those who disbelieve, it represents impending death and judgment. In itself, the ark was not the only rebuke to the godless in that time; concurrent with constructing the ark, Noah preached about coming judgment:
God did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly . . . making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly. (2 Peter 2:5–6)
As MacArthur says, every board he cut and every nail he drove in was an illustration of the urgency of his message. God’s warning was stern, even horrifying, but His patience and mercy prevailed for 120 years. As Peter said, “Because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.” (1 Peter 3:20) In other words, the people had ample warning of judgment, but they chose to disregard Noah’s message.
This is sad, yet many today have the same attitude. Jesus said:
For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:37–39)
Like Noah, I am to proclaim righteousness to an evil and perverse generation by my works and by my life and be faithful to do so even if people don’t want to listen. Most don’t listen, and I will not have 120 years like Noah did. My hope is that God will raise up many to enter the ark of atonement and speak up — that God’s purposes will be accomplished before Jesus returns and before that final judgment begins.
PRAY: Lord, You know that even those close to me sometimes scoff at God’s judgment and mock my testimony. It is easy to find fault with Your people as we are sinners too . . . but with a difference. Your atoning work gives us forgiveness and hope. We know that we have eternal life and that You are at work to change us into Your image. Help us to not be discouraged and to focus on those who need our prayers. May I be available as Your mouthpiece whenever You ask me to speak out against sin and also share the good news that all are welcome and invited to enter the ark of atonement — and be saved from Your judgment to come.
PONDER: Read 2 Peter 3 noting how the prospect of future judgment should affect me and my growth as a believer in Jesus Christ.
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