Today we want to consider some well-known and often quoted prophetic verses of scriptures, not so much as a teaching exercise but, as a reminder of how close we are to the return of Jesus.
The verses we refer to are found in Luke 17: 26-28:
“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;…”’
There are, in fact, two very different aspects in these three verses.
- In the first (verses 26 and 27) Jesus tells his disciples that before He comes again it will be like the days of Noah when people were leading carefree lives unaware of the impending disaster about to overtake them.
- In the second (verse 27) He tells them it will be the same as it was in Sodom before it was destroyed.
It is interesting to note that in both cases people were eating and drinking, buying, selling and marrying; in other words leading apparently normal and carefree lives. Yet in both cases they were behaving in a manner unacceptable to God. In the days of Noah it was corruption and violence (Gen. 6:11) and in the days of Sodom it was sexual abomination, especially homosexuality (Gen 19). In time each was judged for their, different but, unacceptable behaviour.
But Jesus also says that before His coming again both of these sinful behaviors will be present in the world and He clearly warns of the consequences of such behaviour.
If we look around the world today we see violence and corruption abounds everywhere: we see it between tribes, nations, within societies and even in families. Certainly none of this is a new phenomenon, yet it appears to be on the increase everywhere; frequently confirmed by governments and law enforcement authorities, stating that violence is on the increase and becoming more difficult to deal with. In the light of Jesus’ remarks to His disciples, the question we surely have to now ask ourselves is: “How close are we to the point where God will not tolerate it anymore and step in to deal with the problem”?
Of course homosexuality and general sexual promiscuity is everywhere and also on the increase, being encouraged by the media, also governments, especially in the West. Even Christian denominations are now openly allowing practicing homosexual leaders to minister and teach their congregations; in flagrant violation of God’s Word which explicitly condemns such behaviour. The increase in these evils in recent years has been astounding.
In addition the secular world not only mocks God but denies his very existence. God will not tolerate such behaviour for much longer.
Surely, the world is fast approaching the point of the days of Noah and Sodom, which Jesus warned would happen before His return. We can only conclude that there cannot be much time left before Jesus returns to correct matters. As the Lord said to Abraham:
“Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” (Gen 18:20, 21)
Let us ask ourselves: Are WE at this point yet?
And if not, how close are we…?
Bible believing Christians need to constantly remind themselves of this and not become complacent and allow themselves to be seduced by the ways of the secular world.
It is interesting to note that when Lot tried to warn his two sons-in-law to leave the city because God was about to destroy it, they would not listen because “his sons-in-law thought he was joking”. (NIV Gen: 19:14).
Even now, in our day, we see that many have disregarded the warnings that Jesus is coming soon, even to the point of ridicule.
But those Christians who hear and understand Jesus’ prophetic words of what will take place beforehand – that God will not forever tolerate the gross sin being perpetrated in the world today – must stand firm and persist in warning others of the nearness of His return.
Chris, from our fellowship, has an interest in Bible prophecy and from time to time will share his views with us on current events and how they relate to prophecy in this new series “Bible Prophecy”.
Grace and Truth 
February 17, 2014 at 12:23 pm
There is such a vanity in being able to say that we are the End Time Generation; rather that we might be able to say we are the generation living most closely to His Galilean Ministry. Prophecy pundits think that they can frighten people into the Kingdom. Only Love, friends. Only Love.
February 17, 2014 at 10:47 pm
Thank you for your comment. I am surprised that you would consider it vanity and scare-mongering to draw attention to the fact that Jesus is returning soon. This is our “blessed hope” and what the apostles lived by. Really? You really believe that our generation is the one living most closely to Jesus’ Galilean ministry? In the Western church this is most certainly not the case (I speak generally). Where are those going from town to town calling sinners to repentance as He did? Where are those casting out demons and healing the sick as He did? Where are those being betrayed, beaten, tortured and killed for the gospel’s sake as He did? THIS was His ministry and one that reminding His Body of His soon return will hopefully wake them up out of their complacency to follow HIm again.
Blessings
February 17, 2014 at 10:58 pm
Precisely; we are FAR OFF the mark. More soaking in the Gospels is required, and more serious action, social justice and testimony consistent with our Captain. The blueprint is not found in Daniel, Ezekiel or even Second Thessalonians or Revelation 17-19. There is some time for that study but not over-much.
February 18, 2014 at 2:32 am
I agree with you that we are far off the mark and that if we truly followed Christ and obeyed the leading of the Holy Spirit we would do “greater things than these”. Leonard Ravenhill said “What the church needs is not more light, that will only maker it harder for us at the judgment – What the Church needs is more obedience.” So in that sense I see what you are saying. Of course I do believe that interpreting the times we live in in the light of scripture is necessary to wake up the Church as she sleeps on her bed of comfort and convenience.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. Blessings
February 18, 2014 at 1:38 am
“Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” (Gen 18:20, 21)
I wonder how loud the outcry is right now? How many in the church are crying out against what is going on in our world now?
February 18, 2014 at 2:19 am
Sadly not as many as there should be I think Nina! It’s heartbreaking. Surely though the heavenly outcry must be resounding! Have mercy upon us O Lord!
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
Blessings
February 18, 2014 at 4:05 am
Well, I’ll wade in here. I can guarantee that I am in the last days (personally) because of my age. Jesus repeatedly taught that we were to be ready, because no one (not even the angels) knows when God will end this world. The signs keep us alert. What do we do when we notice signs? Love!! Jesus told us what to do while we wait: give food and water and clothes, visit the sick and those in jail. Grow to eat the meat, and not just the milk of spiritual living as Paul puts it. revelation is not about prediction per se, but about enduring in faith to the end.
Interesting that in Canada violent crime has been declining for 10 years. Will that stop Jesus from coming? I doubt it. The delay has one purpose, to give us time to act like disciples and love people to Christ. So we need to watch for the signs while we serve Jesus with abandon.
Peace
February 18, 2014 at 4:23 am
Amen. Well said.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
March 29, 2014 at 4:23 am
Hi Belinda, We met at the station and discussed about Christianity and Islam. Jesus mentioned about his second coming would be like a thief in the night, means world will also deny like any other messengers were denied before. Please visit http://www.Quran.com and look at Chapter 5, it typically discusses about the Jesus Christ but you can read any chapters. Concepts like Christ died for our sins, Trinity etc. were added by Paul not Jesus Christ
March 29, 2014 at 4:32 am
Jesus did not die on the cross because it was God’s plan to save him. Also mentioned in Psalms that “None of his bones were broken and his prayers were heard. Pilate was on Jesus side and he wanted to delay the persecution because next day was Sabbath (holy day for Jews). He already mentioned to his disciples that “the only sign that will be given is the sign of Prophet Jonah, like he was in the belly of fish for three days and three nights; same will happen to the son of man. Prophet Jonah was not dead when he went to the belly or Wale fish (he went alive and came back alive). Jesus met his disciples and showed his wounds, which were not healed. He also mentioned that he is not ghost but the same Jesus Christ. Jesus tomb is in Kashmir (India) where he migrated after the crucifixion and died like any other messenger of God.
March 30, 2014 at 10:37 am
HI Ather. I must admit I am surprised by your comments. You will recall that when we met at the station I gave you my blog address because you said that you may like to ask further questions about Christianity. What you have written here are not questions, nor are they open points of discussion. May I suggest that you start your own blog and then you can put your own views and opinions there. However if you have any genuine questions about Christianity or anything I’ve written on my blog then you are welcome to write here again.
Suffice to say that we do NOT serve the same God, as you’ve written elsewhere on my blog. My God is the living God of the Bible and His Name is YHWH, the Creator of Heaven and earth. My God is Love and He loved me so much that He sent His only begotten Son down to this sin-sick world to die for me on a rugged, wooden cross. My God is a God who took on human flesh, was born of a virgin, lived a sin-less life, died on a cross at the will of His Father, was buried for three days and then physically rose again from the dead by the power of God.
My God is a scarred God, who even still bears His scars at the throne of the Father. My God took His blood up to the Father in heaven and it was sprinkled on the mercy seat. His blood speaks better things than Abel’s. HIs blood cries out for mercy and forgiveness and because of His blood I KNOW that I am forgiven, saved and righteous in the sight of a Holy God. My God won’t accept the work of man’s hands, like Cain’s offering, no matter how “good” nor religious. My God can only accept perfection, and that perfection can only be found within the Godhead (Trinity). My God Himself then became the sacrifice for sinful man. He is the sin-less Lamb of God.
As John the BAptist said upon seeing Jesus “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
This is my Jesus, full of love, mercy and forgiveness. And oh how I love Him!
Ather, Jesus is a wonderful Saviour. He is the God who says “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you and pray for those who despitefully use and persecute you.”
May you come to know the sinless Son of God too, for He loves you with a great love – the very love that originated within the Godhead (or Trinity) between the Father and Son.
I bless you Ather in Jesus’ Name
November 25, 2014 at 10:58 pm
I am familiar with Matthew 24:36; however Christ will return and the millennium will begin on the Day of Atonement on Tishri 10, 5785. This is about sunset (Jerusalem time) on October 11th, 2024. P.S. I can date any event in the bible (past & future). I can even date when the Beast will sign a peace treaty with Israel and when the Great Tribulation will begin (if you are interested)
November 26, 2014 at 3:13 am
If you’re familiar with Matthew 24:36 then you’ll know it says that nobody knows the day or hour that CHrist will return, only the Father knows. Through Bible prophecy we can determine the times and seasons we are living in but no one can know exactly when He will return.
Pingback: The Shemitah | Grace and Truth
Pingback: Friend of God or Friend of the World? | Grace and Truth
July 13, 2021 at 3:16 am
Christians today are so identified with the world that it sounds very uncomfortable to many to hear Jesus is coming soon,they see it as interrupting their peace and freedom,the end times appear scary. I remember that not so many people realized the time of Jesus’ first coming,not even those who were ministering in the temple at the time,the ones you think would have been believing,reading the word and praying to God about the coming of their messiah but perhaps were like most Christians today,do you realize that a few people knew he had been born? The shepherds,the wise men,simeon and perhaps Herod who inquired of where the messiah was supposed to be born!!!!!The Lord taught me that it’s the same way that his second coming is going to be like,even most Christians will be surprised to see him yet if you are a’wise man’ you can read the‘stars’ and know the King is coming!!
July 13, 2021 at 4:52 am
Amen to that!