By Pastor Pete Campbell
...blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
Matthew 13:16
As we use our holy imagination, we can see and hear Noah banging the nails into the ark that he obediently constructed (Genesis 6:22). After a while it's possible that the ears of the people became calloused to the constant banging.
Coming judgment was not something that they took seriously any longer, although the evidence was in front of them daily.
Even if they could not hear, they could see this man faithfully swinging his hammer, but they got used to it.
The Books of 1 & 2 Timothy give us a heads up for what we're seeing today. I find myself overwhelmed as I walk the city streets and malls.
Everywhere we turn there's violence, abortions, various forms of sexual immorality whether its heterosexual or homosexual sin. If we become numb to what we are seeing around us, remember, it still grieves God's heart. He is and will always be holy.
The love of money which is a root of all sorts of evil, as well as domestic abuse is increasing. Disrespect for parents and neglect of children, as well as political corruption has infected the world.
Is it possible that it's very similar to the banging of the nails in Noah's day, and we just become accustomed to it?
God tells us to hate what is evil and love what is good (Romans 12:9). This does NOT mean we should hate the sinners but we should hate the sin. In fact God has demonstrated His love for sinners at the cross (Romans 5:8).
As we keep using our holy imagination, we can see and hear the banging of the nails into the wrists of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ. After some time we can take His love for granted. When was the last time we thanked The Lord for our salvation from sincere hearts?
This should give incentive to love and obey Jesus more and lovingly warn our friends and family regarding the coming judgment.
Are we afraid of being called weird or legalistic? Jesus warned people about hell more than informing them about heaven. We need to share the truth in love but unless people know the truth about their sin, they won't have a thirst for a Savior.
Let us not become numb to the banging of the nails, whether it's Noah's ark or the scene of the crucifixion. God is just and He's loving. We need to spread the word before it's too late.