Linda Buishas
“Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and walked in close fellowship with God … God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:9,11). So God instructed Noah to build an ark the likes of which had never before been built, for a purpose that had never before been experienced. By God’s grace and because of Noah’s obedience, his family survived the deadliest flood of all time. Noah is known as the father of the new world, and he, along with his son Shem, are listed in the genealogy of Christ.
Sadly, we live in times that have far too much in common with the days of Noah. However, I believe that unlike Noah’s time, we have many men who walk in fellowship with God. We see them every day. Our Noahs courageously stand up for what is right in a culture of violence, immorality, and many evil influences. These men are led by the Word of God, not by what the world around them says. Noah’s example shows us how generations of mankind survived because of how Noah demonstrated his faith. Our Noahs recognize that future generations will be affected by how they demonstrate theirs. Like Noah’s, it is a weighty calling, requiring trust and perseverance. With God’s help, they have the power to influence the spiritual lives of their children, of any age, for generations to come. We pray that they inspire others to do the same. For we need more men like Noah who understand their godly assignment as the providers, protectors, and spiritual leaders of their homes.
The world is blessed to have fathers who keep their families safe and provide a place for them to live and thrive. They are imperfect men in an imperfect world teaching their children about our perfect God. No doubt Noah faced the challenge of how to protect his children from the pressures of that evil world. Fathers today face the same. But, thankfully, we have many who, just like Noah, recognize the surest way to have God’s protection is to do as God commanded.
God gave Noah one door in the ark through which to lead his family to security and safety. I am thankful for every godly father who desires to lead those placed in his care to the only door that will lead them to God’s treasures in this life and in the next. That door is Jesus.
Fathers, may you honor these words to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). May your Father’s Day be blessed.