Because of the father

"Then the Lord said to Noah, 'Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time.'" -Genesis 7.1

Here we get to look at something interesting that I hadn't thought about until college. We are told that Noah found favor in the eyes of God (Genesis 6.8) And here we are told that Noah alone is righteous before God. We aren't told that his sons were righteous men. The word "alone" used here is the same word used in Genesis 2.18, when God said it is not good for the man to be alone. It shows that he is the only one, that he is completely by himself. And we have the same word used here about Noah's righteousness.

So if his sons aren't righteous men, why does God save them from the flood? My immediate thought is because of their righteous father. As we work through the Bible we'll see over and over the mercy of God upon the righteous, and how it affects others as well. The righteousness of the father, saved the lives of his sons.

Now I have to clarify this, a father's relationship with God will not get his children into heaven. Everyone stands alone on judgment day unless Christ is standing with you. No matter how close of a relationship you have with God, your relationship will not save your children from Hell. You must teach them to love and fear God.

But I believe that God protects the children of a righteous man, because their father is righteous. The Bible tells us that the prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5.16). Again, this doesn't mean that nothing bad will ever happen to your children just because you walk with God and pray for them. They still have free will, as do others, and God allows free will to unfold. But to an extent, I believe God protects the children of a righteous man when he covers them in prayer.

Noah's sons may have loved and served God, but based on the language, I kind of doubt they did before the flood. But yet they are saved from destruction because of their father. God's mercy abounds to the righteous, and it may just save your child's life at some point. Your righteous life affects more than just you, as does the lack of righteousness. Will you choose to be righteous?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor