Apr 16 Deuteronomy 26, Deuteronomy 27, Deuteronomy 28:1-14 – Luke 17:11-37 – Psalm 46:1-11

Luke 17:26-27

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Here’s a verse that I believe we often misunderstand. “As it was in the days of Noah”. Jesus doesn’t mean that people will become exactly like they did in the days of Noah.

As we read in Genesis, everyone was evil all the time. Everyone.

The world isn’t about to get like that, there are many who love God.

Some have even thought this means that the “Nephilim”, those who were the offspring of Angels and people will in some way return, that there will be a great deception involving Aliens. (If you think I’m exaggerating, I’m not. I’ve heard those theories before.)

The trouble is, we don’t have to try and make out what Jesus is saying. He qualifies the statement himself in the next verse. He tells us what he means by verse 26 in verse 27. We don’t have to play detective. 

He says they were eating and drinking and marrying… you know, just doing life. And then destruction came once Noah was in the ark. They key is (as it is in the next example Jesus gives) that people weren’t thinking about the destruction to come. They were just doing life and then it happened. The end will come and the world will not be expecting it. 

But Noah was. We are. Be ready. Be waiting. He’s coming back. 

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Very present. Not absent but present. Troubles will come but God is our refuge and our strength when they do. He’s not just a little bit present. But VERY. He’s in the middle of it with you. Even when you can “feel” Him, He is there. 

Therefore you don’t have to be afraid. Even if the earth itself disappears beneath your feet there’s nothing to fear. He’s got you. 

We know this. I know we know this. But there’s times we really need reminding that it’s true.