Storm Survival

Noah was given the news of the flood – and his need to build an ark – around 100 years before the waters came.

Jesus said that the point of faith is not simply to confess with our lips that God is Lord, but to actually live as if it were true.

We know from the cross that we don’t earn our salvation. It was on the cross that Jesus took the sins of the whole world- past, present, and future; yours, mine, and everyone’s. When we get that truth, we begin living without fear of death as we walk in confident hope that when we die, we will be welcomed by God.

And yet Jesus’ parable of The Wise and Foolish Builder (Mt. 7:21-29) hints that works matter as well. Works certainly mattered for Noah and his family (not to mention all those animals). So how do we understand the connection between grace and works?

Sometimes we miss the good news inherent in the Flood Story. We focus so much on God declaring His disgust with humanity that we miss the much bigger point: He told Noah that the flood was coming. Legend tells us that the ark may have been built more by Noah’s sons than Noah himself. The thought was that Noah spent the duration traveling village to village warning them of impending doom.

Don’t focus so much on what appears to be a wrath of God story when this is, in reality, a love of God story.

God is declaring, “I see the mess you’ve made of life itself. For those with ears to hear, listen: a catastrophe is coming that will overcome all life. Don’t miss the boat!”

In his parable, Jesus is declaring, “Storms are coming. Build your life in such a way that it will withstand inevitable storms.”

The way to prepare isn’t simply belief, but action born out of that belief. Noah believed God’s word about the storm, and that belief motivated his faithful action. Most people believe in God, but is it making much difference in their life experience,?

Jesus stated that we are wise if we allow our lip service to translate into action: Believe in and do what Jesus says.

Sometimes we face storms that threaten our finances. Do you know what the Bible says about how to organize your money? If you don’t, how will you do what it says? If you don’t know, you won’t “do,” and you’ll probably experience more damage than necessary.

Parents face storms of child-rearing. Do you know what God calls you to do? Are you doing it?
Couples face relationship storms as life progresses. What is God’s call for couples? Are you doing it?

Our world is faced with a double-front storm: AIDS and hunger. What is God’s call to us regarding those who CANNOT help themselves? Do you realize that our action of faithfulness or faithlessness will affect even the most insulated of us?

May you realize that faith is more than lip service. May you hear the good news in Jesus’ parable which echoed Noah’s experience. May you believe that God is looking out for you, giving you a heads up and clear direction when and where you need it. May you be wise enough to follow, even if nobody else does.

Some questions to think about...
1. How does our doing what God asks us to do affect our level of assurance that God's promises are true, and our future hope is certain? Why?
2. How do you resolve the apparent tension between "saved by grace" and "saved by works" in Jesus' parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders? How are the two related to each other?
3. What storms are you facing right now?
4. In light of the storm(s) you're facing, what is Jesus calling you to do?
5. What storms can you anticipate in your future?
6. What can you do now to begin building a strong life structure so that when the storm hits, you'll prevail?

A prayer to offer...
Lord, we confess that we can be complete idiots at times. We are suckered into thinking, at times, that simple belief in You will make everything fine and dandy. So we confess our belief with our lips, yet our lifestyle, priorities, and values don't align with our confession. Forgive us! Help us care about what You instruct. Give us courage to do what you call us to do, even if we're ridiculed and mocked. Even if what you call for seems foreign, help us be faithful. When we prevail through the storm, we will give you praise and thanks, and will do all we can to help others know and follow you as well. Amen! So be it!