(Gen 9:23) But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness.
Noah drunk as a skunk? Yep, that’s right. It’s a dark spot on his otherwise impeccable record. Earlier it had been recorded that Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations and that Noah walked with God. (Gen 6:9) He was a preacher of righteousness (2 Pet 2:5) and prepared an ark for the saving of his household (Heb 11:7). He had been patient all the time he was cooped up in that floating zoo. Finally, the rain stopped, the water subsided, and he was able to open the ark door and put his feet on terra firma under a rainbow sky.
But whatever happened to Noah after that? It says he became a farmer and he planted a vineyard. The wine must have been fine because he kept drinking until he became drunk. In the process he became uncovered in his tent. His son Ham came in and saw his dad laying there drunk in the buff and thought it amusing. His righteous father had fallen off his pedestal and was now wearing a tilted halo. Off he ran to tell his brothers. But his brothers didn’t find it humorous or entertaining. They had respect for their father. They took a blanket and walked in backward and covered him with it.
When we see a brother who has fallen short of his former self what are we to do? We are to cover him. We are not to judge him or exult in his fall. Love . . . does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth (1 Cor 13:6). (1 Pet 4:8) And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." When others seek to expose we will endeavor to guard, protect, and shield that person with a blanket of love and dignity. (Gal 6:1) Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
It’s the nature of Christ. He forgives our sins and covers them. (Psa 51) Now we can do the same to others. When someone wants to talk about you and your faults, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. When someone wants to talk about me and my faults . . . cover me! That way we we’re all covered!
The offspring of Ham was cursed for what their father did. Shem and Japheth were blessed. I want to be blessed. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. (1 Cor 13:7-8a) Love is discerning. It sees the faults. Covering a fault does not mean we condone a fault. It just means we refuse to make a public display of other’s shortcomings. (Mat 7:1) "Judge not, that you be not judged. When Adam and Eve were naked in their sins God clothed them. (Gen 3:21) Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. And when we cover each other we will truly be dressed for success to keep serving the Lord like Noah did for another three hundred and fifty years!
Louie
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