Advent
November 26, 2016

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:36-44

‘But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. –Matthew 24:36-39

What is it about human nature that causes us to live in denial? While it may have been true thousands of years ago that people did not know when a flood was coming, Noah did. I cannot image our ancient ancestors were clueless of weather signs. I missed the evening weather several years ago and had no knowledge of a wicked thunderstorm headed my way. While watching TV, the hairs on my dog’s back suddenly stood straight up as he jumped from my lap to the floor barking at me. I did not think twice. I grasped him in my arms and headed for my designated safe place. I had barely made it there when golf ball-sized hail broke all the windows on the north side of my house. Today we have all kinds of sophisticated weather forecasting tools and trained meteorologist to interpret them. Some storms still occur without notice, and there are still those who think they can outrun tornados or ride out a flood at home.

We behave the same way regarding how we live our lives and how we live in relationship with God. How many people other than Noah did God alert to the coming disaster? How many of the people who made fun of him refused to hear or heed the message?

God is dead serious about his call for us to love God and love each other. So serious, Jesus came to share this message and was crucified for it. Today 2000 years later, we serve a risen Savior who brings everlasting hope, faith, and love. What is it about human nature that causes us to live in denial?

Prayer: Lord, as we await your arrival once again in the renewal of our relationship with you and with all your children, make us strong in hope, faith, and love.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.