Bible Study Week 2
Part 3
Humankind Judged
Today, when we look into the sky and see a rainbow, we remember that it is God's token of His covenant promise that He will never destroy the earth by water again.
The earth will one day face the judgment of God in a different manner, however. It is revealed in II Peter 3:4-7, which says scoffers will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as the were from the beginning of creation. For this the willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, be overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."
Judgment is coming upon the wicked and ungodly. And though the agent God uses will not be water, it will be just as devastating on those who have refused to obey God.
Daniel Webster, when secretary of state under US President Filmore, was dinning once with twenty distinguished men at the Astor House in New York. He was unusually quiet and his thoughts seemed to be elsewhere. To draw him out someone asked him an unusual question: "Mr. Webster, will you tell me what was the most important thought that ever occupied your mind? Webster thought for a moment and then said for all to hear, "The most important thought that occupied my mind was that of my individual responsibility to God." It is said that he talked for twenty minutes upon the subject.
Noah also felt the same responsibility to God.
The Days Before the Flood
Life went on as usual. The day before the judgment looked like any other day to them. There was no advance warning on exactly when judgment would come.
Noah preached and warned of impending judgment, but what was the reaction of a sinful world? The same reaction that such a message receives today. "Oh, I've heard about that all my life! I don't think there ever will be a judgment day; things always go on as the have been."
Pilgrims Progress, an allegory by John Bunyan, describes modern pilgrims who came to Vanity Fair, where, in contrast to Christian and his companion, they were quite popular. In the fair they could purchase almost anything for a bit of conscience.
Some foolish bargains were made: a young man gave his fortune for a disease, and a pretty girl bartered a heart clear as crystal for an utterly worthless jewel. Still today Vanity Fair still sees some strange bargains.The wise person obeys the Word of God and makes preparation now for the coming of the Lord!
They Knew Not
The parallel between the day of Noah and our generation is further marked by the extreme wickedness common to both times. Second Timothy 3:1-4 clearly describes our generation and declares these characteristics to be signs of the last days!
Just as surely as the Flood came on the unsuspecting populace in the days of Noah and destroyed all those who had not taken advantage of God's way of escape, so is the judgment of God coming upon the generation of the last days. There will be no advance warning of the exact time of His coming. As Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Mathew 24:36-37).
>>> How will the last days of humanity be like the days of Noah?
Jesus explained that in the last days, people will be so distracted with cares of life, they will no longer be thinking of the return of the Lord and preparing for it. That sounds like today, doesn't it? When we understand the hope connected to Jesus' return, we will be inclined to live with it in mind.
Noah Prepared!
Noah was perhaps a strange-looking figure, laboring for many years over an unusual vessel and talking about an impending flood. No doubt he was the subject of many jokes and of much light-hearted laughter. But when the flood came, Noah, who had obeyed God, was on the inside of the ark looking out while the scoffers and unbelievers suffered the penalty of sin.
So it will be at the return of the Lord. Those who have spurred God's claims on their life and who have rejected opportunities to serve Him will receive condemnation and sorrow and pain. Those who were willing to obey the voice of God and make Preparations will be ushered into everlasting joy.
As Jesus said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up the cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life will lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospels, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of my words in this adulteress and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:34j-38)
Questions for Personal Reflection
1. God cared about the way Cain and Abel brought an offering to Him. What areas of my life do I need to adjust to please God?
2. The lives of Cain, Abel, and Noah show that knowing God requires both faith and following God's instructions. What instructions from God do I need to follow more closely?
3. Noah understood the importance of building the ark to save his family, and he invested time each day in preparation. What could I be doing in my home to pursue God's plans for me?
4. How mindful am I that the Lord will return on day? Is there anything I need to do to be better prepared?
5. What step can I take this week to draw closer to God?