GENESIS 8 THE LOST YEAR In my journey through the past there is one year that stands out. People all over the world ate and drank, married and were given in marriage. The normal course of life continued as if nothing was wrong. The evil ways of people had become common-place. People had gotten so used to sin, they were no longer bothered by it and the effects on them and others.
For 120 years Noah worked at building the ark and now he and his family, along with thousands of animals were inside with the door shut. A whole week passed, and then the judgment God warned him of happened. Water spurted up out of the ground. Torrents of rain fell from the sky and the whole earth was flooded. After 40 days of flooding, the waters were stopped. All was silent outside the ark for 150 days - then a wind started to blow all over the world.
After six months of floating, the ark settled on high ground and remained steady. Six more months passed until the surface of the earth was dry and could be walked on. Deep canyons were formed by the rapid run- off. The whole surface of the earth bore the effects of the great flood.
Plant life again began to flourish and the cleansed earth was ready to receive the refugees from the ark. Animals found their way to suitable habitats. Noah offered burnt offerings of praise and thanksgiving to God. The lost year was over and a new beginning started with offerings to God.
I thought as I considered all that was lost, of all that was gained by that cleansing judgment. Sin left unchecked; evil left unpunished will continue to pollute the earth until there would be not vestige of righteousness to be found. Noah preached righteousness and was ignored. Righteousness has been preached down through each generation. God has called me to preach righteousness, but very few will even listen, and even less will turn from sin to Christ.
Then I remembered from my place in the history of earth - the Lord Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man."
So, I considered in my thoughts that it is happening like that now. There is no question about it. Even in my lifetime I have seen the course of sin and its evil results grow in a rapid course. Marriage vows are not honored. Debts are not paid. A person's word can't be trusted. Doors have to be locked. Friends can't be relied on. Murders and wars have not abated. Technology has not brought stability nor peace. God is not considered in decision making. Righteousness is a cause for scorn. Grace has given way to greed.
But occasionally we find the holy smoke of worship and thanksgiving ascending to God. I am thankful that there is still faith on the earth.
I give God praise and honor - from even me!
It is there - from that one spot I can see arising The sound of voices praying and worshiping and praising Our Gracious God for His mercy and His grace That has been shown to us and appreciated by people in this place.
There are not very many compared to all who are around Who are interested at all in giving heed to the Gospel sound. They seem to want the loud and raucous noise That comes when people make the world their choice.
From an altar in the past there ascended to God Burnt offerings of worship as Noah thought on the Lord And realized that by God's grace he was alive - He and his family alone were all that survived.
There are not many now who will pay attention To the Word of the Lord or the way of salvation Because people know that God's presence interferes with their pleasure, And they want to try out new sin to its fullest measure.
Judgment is coming, of that there is no doubt. The soul that sins - that sin will find them out. There is no way to avoid the awful consequences Of willful sin when the Judge passes His sentence.
The ark of safety is available now. It is my responsibility to tell people how To escape coming judgment and the wrath that will fall On the head of every person who refuses to on God call.
"O Righteous God, may there be some kind of move in this village toward the Savior at this time. May we be able to get people to attend the meetings, but more - may they repent and believe the Gospel. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."