As
I was reading through the story of Noah this morning, I had some
interesting thoughts about the importance of a father's faith and how
it can bring blessing and protection to his entire family. Men, our
faith matters.
Noah
was a righteous man and was considered blameless. So when God decided
to purge the earth of the evil that man had created, He recognized
Noah and made plans to save him. However, we see that God ended up
saving more than just Noah. He also decided to save Noah’s wife,
his sons, and his sons’ wives.
It
is interesting that scripture does not mention that any of these
family members were righteous and blameless or walking with God. So
why were they spared? Was it because God had to repopulate the earth
and needed them for that task? God could have started all over with
just Noah and his wife.
Was
it because the sons helped their father build the ark and this was
their reward? Was it the faith of the sons and their wives that saved
them? In Hebrews, it only mentions that it was the faith of Noah that
actually saved his entire family from the pain and destruction of the
epic flood.
Do
not think that I am advocating that a father’s faith can provide
eternal salvation for his family. For you see, the ark only saved
them from the serious storms of this life and the judgment of God for
a period of time. They all eventually died and were accountable to
God individually.
However,
as men, we can never underestimate the importance that our faith
plays in the life of our entire family. The faith and obedience of a
father can protect his family from many storms in this life. It can
provide that spiritual “hedge of protection” that is wide enough
to shelter others.
Men,
it is humbling and exciting to know that our faith affects more than
just our lives. When we say yes to God and pursue Him, our families
are blessed. Let’s not take our role as fathers and spiritual
leaders of our families lightly. We can set the tone, provide a
covering, and affect generations to come.
The
stakes are high, so let’s put our trust in God, circumcise our
hearts to the Lord, and live out who we are in Christ.
May
we “find favor in the eyes of the Lord” and be called “righteous
and blameless among the people” just as Noah was. And may our
families be invited onto the ark in times of trouble and turmoil
because of our faith.
Eric
Jones
is a homeschool dad, the Lead Pastor of Evident Life Church in
Gilbert, Arizona, and the Director of the East Valley House of Prayer
(EVHOP). Eric and his wonderful wife, Velvet, have been married for
20 years and are blessed with one daughter and three sons.
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