ArcaMax

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: The world is so dark these days and it is hard to be optimistic as a year passes and another year begins. Is there anything to look forward to? – L.F.

A: The bright spot on the horizon is the promise of the coming again of Jesus Christ. This is God’s message, and this is the message that Christ’s church is commanded to proclaim. The church is not bound in a building or in a denomination. The church – represented by the people of God – has been given the task of sounding the alarm for humanity to repent and turn from the sin that reigns in human hearts, just as Noah did in ancient days.

Just as God told Noah to make a window for the ark for light to come in, He also told Noah to put only one door to enter in. We must not miss the symbolism of this marvelous picture. Christ is the ark of salvation. He is the light of the world. And Jesus also said, “I am the door” (John 10:9, NKJV) – the only way to salvation.

Just imagine being aboard the ark during a 40-day monsoon and riding the surges and breakers for months before feeling the boat rest on dry land. Over the course of a year or more, Noah’s family of eight experienced the faithfulness of God’s protection, realized the fulfillment of God’s prophecy, and then beheld the favor of God’s promise – a rainbow – to signify that the Earth would never again be destroyed by water.

We have the advantage of looking back at history on what was to come and did come to pass, yet we turn a blind eye to what is happening and a deaf ear to warnings of what is yet to happen. A British reporter said, “The world is on a collision course with disaster.” God says, “Come all you who are weary and I will give you rest.”

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.