As the days of Noah
For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Matthew 24:38-39
When I spend too much time focusing on the news or current world events, it’s easy to feel stressed and worried about what’s happening. Even in America, there are plenty of reasons to feel concerned about the survival and direction of our nation. I often pray, asking God to hold on to us and not let us fall, but instead draw this nation back to Him. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face today.
Then, I am reminded of this passage in Matthew 24, where Jesus speaks to His disciples about the end of days. He explains that before His return, it will be like it was in the days of Noah before the flood. Life will seem normal with people will be eating, drinking, celebrating, marrying, and continuing with their daily lives. As long as we are here, Jesus says life will go on in this way.
However, He also warns that the end will come suddenly. It won’t be a slow decline like we’re witnessing in society today; instead, it will be abrupt, much like the flood that came without warning to those who were not listening to God. Those who aren’t paying attention will be caught by surprise. But just as Noah was prepared for the rain and safely secured by God in the ark, God has a plan to protect us from the evil days we live in too.
God wants us to be ready, just as Noah was. He calls us to be watchful and to warn others to stay alert as well. The signs are unfolding before us, and it’s clear the time is drawing near. Keep your eyes on Him, remain sensitive to His direction, and follow each of His instructions. Don’t let the coming day catch you off guard.
Today I want to encourage you to first and foremost, do not worry. Don’t let fear about what might happen in the world or in America consume you. Yes, pray for our nation and its leaders. Pray for Israel and for the events happening globally. But remember, nothing surprises God. He has told us through His Word that these days would come.
This is, in fact, one of the most exciting times to be alive! We are living in the final days of the church, and we are called to be His voice to the lost. Just as Noah built the ark to save his family, we are called to help others find refuge in Jesus before the appointed time.
Keep your focus on the Lord. Be bold in sharing His love with others so they too can enter the “ark” of salvation. Trust that God’s plans are unfolding perfectly, and rest in the assurance that He is in control.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 24:15-44
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),
16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.
18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!
34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
The Daily Dose 