Read Genesis 9:18-29
Noah was on a spiritual high. His family was spared from the flood and humanity was saved because of this man’s faith and righteousness. Noah’s family survived the flood and were experiencing God’s blessing in the new world. Their new life was off to a great start. The Bible devotes five whole chapters to his life (Gen. 6-10) and there are many references to him in the New Testament. Genesis 6:9 tells us, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” What a way to be described! The writer of Hebrews tells us Noah was a man on faith and righteousness (Hebrews 11:7). Apostle Peter called Noah “a herald of righteousness” (2Pet. 2:5). But then, something tragic happens, Noah gets drunk and one of his children sleeps with him. Yikes.
Lots can be said about this passage but I want to make an application for parents. Noah’s fall reminds me how parenting is truly all about God’s grace. There is so much material out there in the Christian community today, it’s overwhelming. Sometimes we’re led to believe that if you follow certain steps, or read this book, or use the right technique, then your children will turn out well. I am not saying any of those books or methods are wrong. As parents we should be reading, studying, talking to other parents and strategically and intentionally raising our children in the “wisdom and instruction of the Lord”. However, when anyone reads the Bible carefully, one thing is clear–parenting is all about God’s grace.
I’ve talked to and seen many parents who have done everything we would consider “right” but their children have had some significant challenges in life. Some have walked away from the Lord. I’ve also seen and been around parents who were totally clueless and whose kids are now faithfully walking with the Lord.
Yes, teach your children about Jesus, instill values and character traits in them, bring them to church, read all the books, listen to sermons, be intentional, and pray hard for your children. But at the end of the day, you and I are absolutely dependent on God’s grace and activity in the lives of our children. That should take some of the burden off our shoulders. Our kids are HIS anyway.
Pastor Rob Hall 