Father’s Day (June 16, 2024)

What if I could tell you that there is a way to guarantee that your children will be:

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• 5 times less likely to commit suicide;
• 32 times less likely to run away;
• 20 times less likely to have behavioral disorders;
• 14 times less likely to commit rape;
• 9 times less likely to drop out of high school;
• 10 times less likely to abuse chemical substances;
• and 9 times less likely to end up in state-operated institutions

Hebrews 11:7 (ESV) ~ 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.

The family unit is in great trouble in our land. Not only are divorce, death and economics breaking families, but in liberal circles, the definition of family is being redefined from the biblical definition. The family has tremendous pressure.

Socially, the family unit of Dad, Mom, and children is no longer the norm. Economically, the family is under attack. Not much has changed from bible times. The family was disintegrating, and evil was present. But, one DAD, one MAN “found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

Jesus said we would know the Lord’s coming was near by the resemblance of our times to Noah’s time. (Matthew 24:37-39). As a father, Noah, “moved with godly fear,” and caught a glimpse of what was taking place. WE NEED TO DO THE SAME!!!

• Noah Believed God’s Warnings
  • He was not duped by others; he believed what God said.
    • Today’s sad state of affairs should alarm us too.
    • The world means little to us unless our children are safe.
    • Warning signs are out! We are in trouble (Romans 6:23).
  • Noah was moved with godly fear.
    • He could not casually throw God’s message off.
    • Dissatisfaction is the start of change.

• Noah Made Provision to Save His Family
  • Concern motivated him to do more than warn them.
    • He built an ark when others didn’t understand.
    • He took action that brought ridicule from peers but saved his family.
    • Joshua 24:15 (ESV) ~ And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
  • Leadership sometimes means taking an unpopular stand.

• Noah Warns the World
  • His stand and concern were a warning message to others.
    • As he built the ark, he was telling the world that the flood was coming, but they did not listen.
    • Matthew 24:39 (ESV) ~ … and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
    • Our lives and actions are messages of warning to those around us.
    • Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV) ~ “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
  • His life was a message to others.
    • Don’t think you are not making an impact on those around you.
    • When you stand for God, you make others uncomfortable.

• Noah Received an Inheritance
  • His commitment to family gained him something more tangible than gold or silver.
    • He had the satisfaction of knowing all his family were safe in the ark.
    • He experienced the fulfillment of having given to his sons something that would never pass away.
  • In the end, serving God pays full benefits.
    • Keep your eyes on the prize.
    • Trivial things of this life will pass away.

Attention, all fathers: What are you leaving to your children? Can you see the storm coming? Is an ark prepared for your household?