Then the Lord shut him in. (7:16 - NIV)

Over the years I have begun noting certain verses in the Bible which, in my opinion, are some of the saddest passages in the Word of God because of the finality of God’s judgment. Verses such as Genesis 4:16; Numbers 16:31-33; Matthew 25:10, et. al. have made the list, along with the above verse, which was God’s judgment upon the whole earth and the consequences brought about by the conditions in Genesis 6:5, the complete rejection of God and his moral and ethical law.

Jesus said, prior to his return, it would be, as it was, in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37) whereby mankind is displaying a lifestyle completely devoid of the knowledge of God. There is nothing wrong with eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, but it is done without pursuit of the will of God nor a restored relationship with him. At Christ’s return, the finality of God’s judgment will be just as it was in Noah’s day when God shut the door on unredeemed mankind.

Our responsibility, as followers of Christ, is to share the truth of Christ’s gospel in love, which includes the message that, one day, the “door will be shut,” and there will be no more opportunity for repentance and receiving Christ as Savior and Lord.

Lord, make me bold with the indwelling Spirit, so I will openly, freely and in love share your good news of salvation through our repentance and acceptance of your sacrificial death and resurrection. In my thought and heart remind me to proclaim “Maranatha” so others can be saved.

Robin Buchanan