Theological Commentary: Click Here
Discipleship Focus: In
- In: This is the word we use to express our relationships with our spiritual family. These are often the people who hold us spiritually accountable. They are the ones to whom we typically go for discussion and discernment. These are the ones with whom we learn to share leadership. They are the ones with whom we become family on mission.
There are
many ways to go with Genesis 9 and a look at discipleship. Today, I am struck by the examples we see in
Noah’s sons – especially when Noah is in a compromising situation. For me, we see here a great example of
contrast, and it really helps define the “In” for Noah.
At the
end of this chapter we see Noah get drunk and become unable to control his
circumstances. Of course that is sinful
behavior. But along comes Ham. Ham finds his father drunk. What does Ham do? He goes out and tells his brothers. Rather than help his father out, Ham broadcasts
his father’s sin. This is not “In”
behavior. Here we have a clear example
of people who are blood related but not acting as spiritual family.
On the
other hand, we have the example of Shem and Japheth. What do they do when they hear about Noah’s
condition? They resolve the issue. In fact, they resolve the issue in such a way
as to try and not disgrace their father further and to not get wrapped up in
his sinfulness themselves. That’s “In”
behavior. They are there for Noah when
he needs them. They cannot take away his
sinful behavior, but they can be there to help discern and manage what he’s
gotten himself into.
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