Jesus gave many illustrations when He taught the people. One such time was when He taught them about His Second Coming. Regarding a specific date of His return, He told them, “No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows” (Matthew 24:36).
However, He made it clear how it will happen. He said, “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day” (Matthew 24:37). What happened in Noah’s day? Why was it an appropriate illustration?
The story of Noah was well known to the people; it was a story they could relate to and understand. Jesus reminded them of what happened, to make sure they could see the parallel between it and His Second Coming. He told them, “In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. The 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 24:38-39).
So, in what ways will the Second Coming be like Noah’s day? Noah’s generation was exceedingly wicked: so wicked that it broke God’s heart! He responded by confiding in Noah, telling him, “I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out with the earth!” (Genesis 6:13). Then He gave Noah instructions to build a boat to preserve his family of eight and a pair (male and female) of every animal, and seven pairs of every kind of bird and animal that were for consumption and sacrifice (see Genesis 7:1-3). Noah did as he was told.
After the boat was completed, Noah and his family and the animals boarded, and God closed the door behind them. Seven days later, it started to rain. It rained for forty days and nights, resulting in a deep flood that destroyed every living thing (see Genesis 7:23-24).
Jesus’ illustration was meant to teach His audience and us to be constantly ready for His Second Coming; it will be unannounced! With the exception of Noah and his family, everyone else on earth perished. Prior to the flood, they kept up their usual routine and evil lifestyles, as if nothing was ever going to change. Then suddenly, the rain and flood came; the boat was closed and they had nowhere to go for safety. It was too late!
The scriptures say, “This is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17). This is your opportunity to be saved and have your name recorded in the Book of Life for security (see Revelation 20:15).
Are you all set for when Jesus returns or when you die? If you’ve never repented and asked God for forgiveness, this is your chance to do that. Nobody knows when either event will happen; only God knows! Don’t let either one take you by surprise; you won’t be able to do anything about it then, just like Noah’s world couldn’t do anything about their situation.
Jesus will come back when we least expect Him; may He find our names in the Book of Life and may we be living in obedience and looking eagerly for His return.
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