It has rained all night long! Listening to rain on the metal roof makes for good sleeping – until it doesn’t. Sooner or later – it’s a “I can’t believe that it’s still raining” kind of feeling. Last weekend, we had “movie night” at church and we watched the Sight and Sound Theater rendition of Noah. Talk about rain! You know, when God told Noah to build the ark, it had never rained before. They didn’t really know what rain was, but they believed that whatever the Lord said would happen – would happen. It took hundreds of years to build a boat so large, and during that time, they preached and urged their extended family members and friends to turn to the Lord and join them in the ark. Yet, they didn’t listen and when all was ready, God shut the door to the ark – shutting those that obeyed in and leaving the disobedient out. Can you imagine the fear that swept upon those outside as they beat upon the door, seeking salvation? And I imagine that tears fell from those safe inside as they realized that their loved ones were lost forevermore.
Friends, the ark is a “type” of the church. Everyone is invited, yet only those who listen to God’s word and obey it, will enter in. People think that they’ve got all the time in the world – nothing is going to happen to them, yet, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). When death or judgment day arrives- whichever comes first, those who are faithful in the church will be saved, and those on the outside will be lost. Jesus said, “Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22). But, sadly, the reply will be, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).
Yes, there will come a day when the “rain will start” and it will be too late. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2b). What are you waiting for? Simply blessed, Courtney