¶ Noah's Character and Today's Fathers
Noah was far from perfect , but he was a humble man and protective of his family . He stands out among fathers in the Bible as a man who remained loyal to God in spite of the wickedness of the world around him . Doesn't that sound a lot like life today ?
Fathers who choose to follow a life of faith are surrounded by temptation and downright evil in this world . But God is pleased by our devotion and he has a plan for each of us , even when circumstances are frustrating or
¶ God's Sorrow and Noah's Favor
difficult . Genesis 6 , verses 5 through 8 , says the Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time . The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth and his heart was deeply troubled .
So the Lord said I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created and with them the animals , the birds and the creatures that move along the ground , for I regret that I have made them . But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord . The Bible tells us Noah , father of Shem Ham and Japheth ,
¶ The Thankless Job of Fatherhood
was a righteous man and walked faithfully with God . For this reason God chose Noah to build an incredible ship the ark that would save not only mankind but every variety of living creature on the earth from peril . Sometimes fathers feel like their job is a thankless one .
They tackle the honeydew list on the weekends , help with dinner , keep the kids in line and help to wrangle them at bedtime , and maybe they don't hear thank you or great job . But God knows everything you do for your family , from breadwinning to caretaking and everything in between , and he takes delight in your devotion to your family and
¶ Lessons from Noah for Modern Dads
to him . Deuteronomy 30 , two through three says and when you and your children return to the Lord , your God , and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today , then the Lord , your God , will restore your soul according to everything I command you today .
Then the Lord , your God , will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you . Modern day fathers can learn valuable lessons from Noah . God promises to bless and protect those who faithfully follow and obey him . A man who obeys the Lord will inspire faith in his children as well .
Obedience is not a sprint but a marathon . It means a lifetime of faithful devotion , even and especially when the going
¶ Closing Prayer for Fathers
gets tough . Let's pray Lord . Thank you for calling out Noah's faithful obedience to you so many years ago and for providing for the safety and provision of his entire family when the world had gone astray . God bless every father who hears this message , that they might grow closer in their walk with you and inspire their children to follow in their footsteps .
In Jesus' name , amen .