TAT 144 The Two Normals

On March 22, 2024   /   Spirituality, Values  

TAT 144 The Two Normals

For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, (Matt. 24:37-38 NASB)

The above verses tell us that life was going on as normal in “the days of Noah.” But on closer examination we find that there was another normal.

By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. (Heb. 11:7 NASB)

Noah’s normal life was to live by faith—to do what God asked him to do—to build an ark.

Therefore there were two normals existing simultaneously. That existence might have looked something like this:

Society continued on with their dinner parties – Noah continued building the ark.
Society continued on with their marriage and funeral customs – Noah continued
building the ark.
Society continued planning for their retirement – Noah continued building the ark.
Society never missed an opportunity to enjoy the activities of their society – Noah continued building the ark.

Presently, “the days of Noah” are quickly returning, or have returned, to this earth. But it is still possible for me to live a normal life of faith.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Heb. 11:1 NASB)

If I live by Biblical Faith then I live with God’s eternal plan in view and His future eternal goals are the goals for my earthly life. If that is not my focus nor my goals then I am not living by Biblical Faith. (See also Heb. 11:10)

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TAT 138 Values

On March 8, 2024   /   Values  

TAT 138 Values

And another of the disciples said to him, “Lord permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me; and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” (Mat. 8:21–22)

That seems to be a pretty harsh statement from our Lord, especially since the burial/funeral ceremony was one of the most valued and respected activities in the Jewish religious society, much as it is in our society today. So what is going on and why would the Lord say such a brash thing? Let’s make some simple observations about this passage and perhaps it will bring some clarity.

The passage. Christ had given orders to depart to the other side of the sea. One of the disciples ask for permission to first go bury his father.

Some observations. To follow or not to follow. At this time in history, and in that disciples life, he had a choice, he could follow the Messiah and hear the Words of Life or he could participate in the good, approved of, activities of his society. Which activity the disciple chose is not stated.

Clarity. This appears to be a value system verse. The value of good, and proper, social behavior pitted against the value of an intimate relationship with the Messiah. Maybe the Lord was not being so brash after all.

The choices we make and the activities we take reveal what we value.

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