When God’s patience runs out, it is not where a person or group wants to be. It must sadden God’s heart when we go down the wrong road and don’t listen to His cry to turn around. One of the remarkable characteristics of God is His love for humanity to repent of their sins and be saved. However patient God is, He has limits.
Romans 2:4Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?[1] In the days of Noah, God’s patience was pushed to the brink, and there would be consequences for people’s sins.
Genesis 6:12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. [2] These verses give us insight into the grief God was experiencing and help us understand the need for repentance in our lives.
Noah Was a Preacher of Righteousness
When Noah built the ark, he also ministered to the people, telling them of the coming judgment. 2 Peter 2:5 And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood.[3] Although Noah’s preaching seemed to do little good, it showed God’s love to those who rebelled against Him.
Jesus refers to the suddenness of the flood. Matthew 24:38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. [4]
How many people went to hell today completely unaware or not caring about God until it was too late? As we think about that, it gives new urgency to what Paul says. Ephesians 4:22Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.[5]
Make Changes in Your Life While You Can
The people in the days of Noah disregarded his warnings of their destruction. Today, God is only a prayer away from humbling ourselves before Him and changing how we think and act. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[6]
I have heard many testimonies where people say God has transformed their lives. If God cares enough to change us when we receive salvation, He also cares to continue transforming our lives. Pray and ask the Lord to continue to shape and mold you for His Kingdom. To learn what happens when God’s patience runs out, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-in-a-faithless-world
[1,2,5,6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ro 2:4). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
[3,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (2 Pe 2:5). Tyndale House Publishers.