Father Role Models
By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7 (ESV)
Noah was the father of three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Since God determined to destroy the earth’s population, with the exception of Noah’s family, with a worldwide flood, the only male role model for the three was their father Noah.
Noah was an exemplary role model in the following respects:
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” (6:9) These characteristics made Noah stand out in contrast to the countless wicked unbelievers in that generation, for every intention of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. (6:5)
Noah was a man of faith and obedience. He showed this by obeying the Lord’s command to build a massive ark in preparation for the deluge that would cover the earth. He did this even though he was made an object of ridicule for this building project.
Noah had an enduring love for his fellow man who were destined to suffer the righteous wrath of God. Being mission-minded He preached a message of repentance and forgiveness for 120 years.
Noah was a person of worship and devotion to God. After the flood, Noah built an altar to worship the Lord with a thankful heart for preserving him and his family in the flood.
The most important feature of Noah is that as a believer he had faith in the promised Christ who would come to deliver a world of sinners from eternal death and condemnation in hell.
While Noah was a God-fearing believer, he was not sinless. There was an episode in his life when he became drunk. But as a child of God he repented of his sin and was assured by the Lord of His forgiveness. This served as a priceless example for his family.
Therefore my hope is in the Lord
And not in mine own merit;
It rests upon His faithful Word
To them of contrite spirit
That He is merciful and just;
This is my comfort and my trust.
His help I wait with patience.
The Lutheran Hymnal 329