Introduction

In the book of Genesis, we read about Noah, a man who found favor in the eyes of the Lord. In a time when wickedness was rampant and every thought of man's heart was evil, Noah stood out as a righteous man. God saw this and decided to spare Noah and his family from the impending flood that would destroy all living creatures on earth.

Genesis 6:5-8 (NIV) states, "The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, 'I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.' But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord."

Dark Times in the Present

We find ourselves in similar dark times today. It is important to acknowledge this reality rather than sugarcoat it or pretend it doesn't exist. The Bible speaks about a generation that has lost all shame and can no longer blush at their own sins. They call evil good and good evil, replacing light with darkness and sweet with bitter. There is a lack of fear of God in their hearts.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV) describes these perilous times: "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."

The prophet Isaiah also spoke with great insight about the conditions of his time, which are applicable to our present situation. Isaiah 1:4-6 (NIV) says, "Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil."

Deception and False Prophets

I understand that these words may sound bleak and depressing, but it is crucial to face the truth about the times we are living in. While many voices today may try to deceive us with false messages of peace and prosperity, we must seek the truth. Jeremiah 6:14 (NIV) warns about these false prophets: "They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace."

Jeremiah 14:14 (NIV) further reveals the deceitful nature of these false prophets: "Then the Lord said to me, 'The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.'"

The Reality of the Times

I wish I could stand here and tell you that everything will soon turn around and our society will suddenly become good again. However, as a true messenger of God, I cannot lie to you. The truth is that things are bad, and they will continue to worsen. Jesus Himself warned that the conditions in the days of Noah would be similar to the days leading up to His return.

Luke 17:26-27 (NIV) records Jesus' words: "Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all."

Finding Refuge in Christ

But here is the encouraging part: just as Noah and his family were lifted above the floodwaters in the safety of the ark, we too can find refuge in Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:1-3 (NIV) reminds us, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

As the floodwaters rose and brought destruction upon the earth, the ark floated safely above them. Similarly, as the world around us deteriorates, we can rise above it in Christ. We are in the world but not of the world. We are called to separate ourselves from the unclean things and be a holy people unto God.

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 (NIV) urges us, "Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,' says the Lord Almighty."

Conclusion

Let us remember that our hope is not in this world but in Jesus Christ. While everything may seem bleak and discouraging, we have the assurance that God is with us. Just as Noah and his family were lifted above the flood, we can rise above the darkness of our times. We are hidden in Christ, and He will protect and guide us through these challenging days.

So, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, seek His righteousness, and trust in His unfailing love. In Him, we find grace and strength to navigate these dark times. May we be a light in the midst of darkness, pointing others to the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

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