37 “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:37–39 (ESV)
God the Father alone knows exactly when He has decreed God the Son, Jesus Christ, to return to earth in power, might and glory (Matt. 24:29-31, 36), With this in mind, believers in Christ are to still live in rapt anticipation of the Son’s return. The Lord Jesus could return any day. Therefore, using illustrations and parables, the Lord began explaining how to be prepared for His coming (24:37–25:30).
Even in the first century there were those who scoffed at the Lord’s delay in coming again. They doubted God’s truthfulness and trustworthiness much like those who lived during Noah’s day (2 Peter 3:1-7).
These were people, who perhaps for close to 120 years during the ark’s construction (Gen. 6:1-3), ate, drank, married, and committed great wickedness until the day when Noah entered the ark (Gen. 6:5-22). They did not concern themselves with the things of God until it was too late.
The question might be asked, “What is wrong with these activities, or with ‘buying and selling, planting and building,’ as in the similar days of Lot (Luke 17:28–30)?” The answer is, “Nothing at all.” In fact, by means of them men are able to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). But when the soul becomes entirely wrapped up in them, so that matters such as these become ends in themselves, and spiritual tasks are neglected, they are no longer a blessing but have become a curse. They have become evidences of gross materialism, false security, and often cold selfishness,” states Dr. William Henriksen.
What is to be the perspective of the church today regarding the Lord’s return? Are we to live in skepticism because it has been close to 2,000 years since these promised were given? The Apostle Peter, directed by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), states otherwise.
8 “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” (2 Peter 3:1–10 ESV)
Peter continued to encourage believers to live holy and godly lives while waiting for the new heavens and a new earth (2 Peter 3:11-12), to be diligent for Christ and to be without spot or blemish (2 Peter 3:14), and to not believe heresy and error (2 Peter 3:17). Rather, believers in Christ are to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and to glorify Him in everything (2 Peter 3:18; I Cor. 10:31).
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 