In spite of the lack of rain, in spite of the mockery, in spite of how unlikely the whole situation seemed to be.

Noah kept building.

What was Noah doing? In essence, I believe he was preparing. He was getting ready for the coming judgment of God.

Fast forward to today. Just like the great flood, the day is coming when God’s judgment will be poured out on all people. What are we doing to prepare for that day? Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Mat 24:37). This was said in the context of timing. In Noah’s day, people were not expecting the flood to come and it took them totally by surprise. This is how the second coming of Jesus Christ will be.

But for believers, even though we don’t know the time and place of Jesus’ return, if we are prepared and ready, it won’t take us by surprise. Noah certainly wasn’t surprised when the rain finally started to fall. Concerning the second coming, Paul asserts, “But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” (1 Thes 5:4).   

I take great encouragement from Noah’s example. He was getting ready. He was obeying God’s commission and he was building. What ark are we building to prepare for the return of Jesus? Just like Noah, I believe we as believers have also been commissioned to build an ark. Our commission was given on the day of the ascension and from Jesus himself: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Mat 28:19).

If Jesus returned tomorrow, how many of your family or friends would be happy to see him? How many millions, if not billions, of people would miss out on an eternity spent with the creator of the universe?

So until that day, may we build! May we do the work we have been commissioned to do. Build relationships, invite people into our homes, look out for the hurting and lost, share the hope we have found.

Personally, I know how hard this can be. But we need to find ways to prepare for that day of judgment by making disciples of all nations. In spite of the lack of rain, in spite of the mockery, in spite of how unlikely the whole situation seems to be. Keep building.

Ian Anderson

Creative Director

Bill Newman Ministries

television@billnewman.org.au