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Guest Editorial 9-27
Water, water everywhere
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Over the past few weeks, people affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have seen more than their share of water, coming down from the skies, and flooding their homes, their towns, and their property.
Our hearts go out to them as they now seek to rebuild their homes and their lives, and possibly prepare for more to come. It is a solemn reminder of a time in the history of the world when the Great Flood destroyed the entire earth in the days of a man named Noah.
In Genesis 6 the Bible tells us that in the days of Noah, “God saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. But Noah was an exception to the rest of society, so God asked him to prepare a great ship, called an ark, to spare Noah and his family from the destruction of the Flood. 
During the 120 years that Noah spent building the ark, he warned his neighbors about the coming flood, but they mocked him and ridiculed him instead. In the end, only Noah, his three sons, and their wives were spared, along with the animals God asked Noah to take with him to replenish the earth after the flood.
In Matthew 24, Jesus was asked by His disciples about the signs of His return to the earth. He told them that “as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” He referred to the fact that the people in the days of Noah went about business as usual, up until the very day that Noah and his family entered the ark. 
He said they were totally unprepared for the flood, even though Noah had warned them over and over again during the time that he was building the ark. Jesus also mentioned a number of other signs pointing to His return, but God has promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood. As a reminder of His promise, God frequently places a rainbow in the sky after it rains.
In Matthew 24, Jesus does mention the increase in frequency of other natural disasters such as earthquakes, famines, and pestilences. He speaks of individuals appearing in society claiming to be the Messiah, but who are false prophets who seek to deceive and mislead people. He speaks of Christians being persecuted and even executed for putting their faith in Him. He speaks of the love of people toward others and toward God becoming cold. 
The real message that Jesus had for His followers then, as well as today, is to be prepared for His return.  Those are ready will be gathered up out of the earth to join Jesus in the clouds and spend eternity with Him in their eternal homes. Those who are not ready will be left behind. The choice is personal, but the consequences are final.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.