by Rod Davis

“Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”—Jesus (Revelation 3:3 NIV)

“Remember, therefore, what you have received you do not wake up, I will come like a and heard; obey it, and repent.But if thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.” -Jesus (Revelation 3:3 NIV)

When God told Noah to build the ark probably the first thing he had to learn was how to balance his schedule. His days consisted of building the ark, providing for his family and then preaching during his time off. It was quite a challenge. However, God told him that he had a limited time to reach as many people as he could before the flood. Judgment was imminent and God, being the merciful God that He is, wanted to give everyone a chance to repent of their wickedness.

Now, as long as they could hear the sound of Noah’s hammer ringing out across the countryside there was still hope for them. There was still time for them to repent and be spared the impending deluge. However, Noah’s friends, neighbors and extended family chose to ignore his warning and thus eventually faced the judgment of God.

Then it happened. The sound of Noah’s hammer ceased and soon his plea ceased as well. He gathered his little family and joined the animals in the ark. Next, and it’s important to note this, the Bible says that God Himself closed the door. Soon, the heavens opened and a torrential rain began to fall. The waters began to quickly rise higher and higher. In a little while all, save eight souls huddled deep within the belly of the huge vessel, would be lost without hope of salvation from the ascending waters.

I wonder what it was like being in the ark with Noah when the rain began to beat against the ark. Did the downpour and rising waters drown out all other sounds outside the ark? Or could they hear the screams of those who had once mocked and laughed at Noah’s plea. They had ignored his plea. Now, he could not respond to theirs. What do you think went through their minds and hearts as God’s unbridled wrath fell on the earth that day?

 “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” — Jesus (Matthew 24:37 NIV)

God announced His coming judgment to Noah by saying, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever… ” (Genesis 6:3 NIV) The same holds true today. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the end is coming soon. For once again the sound of Noah’s hammer is resounding throughout the land. You can hear it echoing in the events taking place around the world. You can hear it in the voice of God’s prophets and from others in His church. Judgment is imminent!

The hands on that great cosmic clock called “time” are speeding faster and faster. Please don’t be like those in Noah’s day who ignored the warning. If you’ve never truly repented and made Jesus lord of your life please do so now. Soon God Himself will close the door and then no one will be allowed to enter. God loves you, my friend. He doesn’t want you to… miss the boat.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.     (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Listen closely. Do you hear the sound of Noah’s hammer?

There will be a day                                                                                                     When we will be divided right and left                                                                             For those who know Him                                                                                                And those who do not know

Those who know Him well                                                                                             Will meet Him in the air Hallelujah                                                                                God is with us                                                                                                              Those who do not know

They will hear depart                                                                                                          I knew you not                                                                                                                 For my friends you see                                                                                                  There will be a day when we’ll be counted                                                                       So know Him well, know Him well *

*People Get Ready, Jesus Is Comin’, written by Brian Ray and recorded by Crystal Lewis on her album, Beauty For Ashes, © 1996 Metro One (Admin. by Metro One, Inc.)