Build An Ark

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37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 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; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Matthew 24:37-39, 42-44)

Once again we enter the season of Advent - the time of preparation for the remembrance of Jesus' birth and preparation for his return. Mary and Joseph, and Elizabeth and Zechariah, were the ones who were able to be most prepared for Jesus' birth. Although they had little understanding of what his arrival would really mean, their hearts and homes were prepared to receive and nurture a fragile life. They yielded themselves in humble

obedience to God.

During his ministry, Jesus warned his followers to keep watch and stay ready because he would return without notice. Now, over 2000 years later our vigilance has generally given way to complacency. But Jesus' words can guide us as we strive to wait with active and productive anticipation. His reference to Noah reminds us that when God called Noah to build the Ark, an entire generation had never seen rain. Building a boat for an impending flood was preposterous! But Noah was obedient. When the rain came, he and his family were safe.

In a world where greed, hate, conniving, and hopelessness are the norm, God is calling us to be outlandishly loving, forgiving, compassionate and hopeful. Relentlessly. In every situation. Our obedience will transform lives. The world won't understand. It's time to build an Ark in preparation for Jesus' reign.

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. (Romans 13:11-14)