Nougat 20

How often do we read something in the Bible and another text comes to mind? And when that happens, do you actually see a reference to the text mentioned after? While we know that Matthew makes lots of reference to the Hebrew Scripture, it’s primarily in relation to Jesus being the embodiment or fulfillment of the Word. In today’s Holy Nougat, Jesus references a prior act as a prophetic word for the End Times.

““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 ‭NLT‬‬

The Sign of Noah

As we’ve been traversing the End Times, Noah’s story has crossed my mind, because the unpredictability of Jesus’ return reminded me of The Flood. I have imagined that with zero understanding of flooding, the people were not convinced by Noah’s arguments. They were prone to ignoring the warning.

This is a lesson for us believers also. Very few of us have experienced bodily resurrection. In that regard, it’s extremely difficult to fathom. And, having heard Christ’s return heralded time and time and yet it has not happed, perhaps it is a challenge to accept Christ’s Return as possible. For those of us/you having those feelings … I offer – what if, all this is hocus pocus, what have we lost living for Jesus? I know, some of us have made major lifestyle changes for the faith. And if Jesus Christ isn’t real, the disappointment will be profound! So let’s consider this – what have we truly forfeited for Jesus that wasn’t beneficial to lose in the first place?

But if, like The Flood, Christ’s Return is real? What then? The signs are here, coming in with clarity. Do we ignore them to satisfy the naysayers, or do we stop to consider whether Christ’s prophetic word/promises are worth processing? Should we look at our own lives, we will see (hopefully) Jesus’ fingerprints of provision, protection and anointing that reminds us what this is all about.

And, when we do, that will be the Confirmation we need that Jesus is real. And, if Jesus is real, then the Eucharistic (Communion) liturgy many of us would have recited in traditional worship settings becomes real;

‘Christ has died

Christ is risen

Christ will come again!’

That is what gives us the impetus when, like Noah building an ark in anticipation of never before experienced rain, we live for Jesus’ return despite the seeming lack of proof.

Ultimately it comes to one question. Would we rather be caught out or up? Should our answer be up, the next question is simple – who’d we like to see when we’re caught up? If they are still alive, have we the same faith? If yes – then we encourage each other. If no, what are we waiting for – it’s time to persuade them. Who knows, maybe that’s who God’s grace awaits.

Let’s be caught sharing our faith as we prepare to be caught up with Jesus Christ.

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May all we seek be found in Christ