Stay Alert

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. [Matthew 24.37-39]

For those who think they will see the signs and make last minute, just-in-time adjustments to their life so they will be saved... think again!

Just like I said yesterday about signs in the heavens, people are very easily brainwashed and desensitized to their surroundings if they are not proactive otherwise. This is the obvious condition of the people in Noah's day.

Now, I realize that God does things in an instant. But I also realize that God does things over time. I mean, how long did it take Noah to build the ark? Could it be that there were unusual "signs" in the sky before the rains started in Noah's day? We don't know for sure, but the rising waters and rains did not actually begin until Noah and his family (along with all the animals) were safely in the ark and God had shut the door.

Here's the deal, Noah and his family were busy building the ark - preparing for what was to come - they were ready. Any change in the wind or temperature likely alerted their attention. Perhaps the ground became soggy days before it actually began to rise? Maybe?

But for those who were not listening to God and seeking Him, they likely wouldn't even have noticed anything - rising waters, different looking clouds, a change in the wind, animals acting differently. unexplained wet spots on the ground... Not to mention Noah's preaching that a flood was coming - but wait, where's Noah now? In the boat?. Oh well, party on! (and drown)

If Jesus warned us to stay alert, I am guessing it is for good reason. The less alert we are, the more dull we become. We don't stay at a level of "somewhat alert" - no - either we are growing more alert or we are slipping into unconscious dullness.

When Jesus returns, I imagine many will be so unconsciously dull that they won't even realize anything has happened until its too late.

So, I say what Jesus said, "Stay alert!" "Watch and pray!" "Be ready."

Father, help me to increase in my attentiveness to You and Your Spirit. If I become dull to anything, let it be that I become dull to the allurements of the world.