"For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away."
Jesus gives us some insight into the days of Noah. Here's a guy who embarks on a building project so out of the ordinary, so out of proportion to anything anyone has ever seen up until that time, and still there were some who had no clue what it was about. Could people really have something so unavoidable, so newsworthy in the midst of their daily circuits, and yet be so unaware of its significance? Or was Noah's explanation received as the eccentric exaggerations of an aged zealot? Was the ark present and under construction for so many decades that they simply took it for granted? Did it's extraordinariness fade over time, slipping into the background of their more individual concerns - 'what's for dinner, did you get the wine, who should I marry, do you like his fiancee?'
Jesus taught that it would be the same way when He comes again. But let's not jump all the way to the Second Coming. Isn't it true that the resurrected Christ is alive today? Isn't it true that He can speak to the heart today in an extraordinary, unavoidable and life-altering way? And today, wouldn't the ark that stands as a testimony to the activity and intentions of God in our midst, and holds the family of the faithful and the hope of all - wouldn't that 'ark' be the church? And yet so many have no clue what it is about. They are unaware of the church's significance, or they have chalked it up to a construction of eccentric zealots.
Sadly, unlike the steadfast witness of Noah's clan, the church has done quite a bit to undermine its own credibility. Our voices HAVE sounded at times like senile ranting. We have frequently veered off God's blueprint and built country clubs and fortresses and walmarts instead of sea-worthy vessels. So, even though there are many who are clueless, careless and callous, there are many who are just confused.
Let's get back to building an ark, a temple, a church, a community that actually resembles the plans God gave us through His Son (with project management by the Holy Spirit.) Let's make sure the clueless get plenty of clues. Let's make sure the connoiseurs and the courtiers are primarily hungering and thirsting after righteousness and planning to be members of the Bride of Christ.
Pray: God, help us to know truly what You mean for your church to be and do. Make us clear witnesses to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. Use us to make sure the least amount of people possible are taken by surprise at Your return.
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