Daily Devotional (May 23, 2024) CONCEAL YOUR FATHER'S NAKEDNESS.
Scripture Reference: "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. So, Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his younger son had done to him. Then he said, “May Canaan be cursed! May he be the lowest of servants to his relatives.” And he said, “May the Lord, the God of Shem, be blessed, and may Canaan be his servant! May God expand the territory of Japheth! May Japheth share the prosperity of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant” Genesis 9:23-27 (NKJV).
Our Heavenly Father is indeed Perfect, but He has entrusted us under the care of both Earthly and Spiritual fathers. While God Himself does not err, all human fathers are fallible and prone to mistakes regardless of their age, status, or Spiritual Maturity. In such instances, a loving son chooses to cover his father's mistakes rather than expose them to shame. This Principle is exemplified in the story of Ham, whose act of exposing his father Noah's nakedness brought generational curses upon his own son (Gen. 9:25). King David also demonstrated this Principle with his response to the news of King Saul's death. Despite the complexities of their relationship, Saul had been like a father to David, as evidenced by David's references to him as such in the Holy Bible (1Sam. 24:11a). When David learned of Saul's demise, he instructed that the tale be not spread but rather that Saul's memory be treated with Respect and Honour (2Sam. 1:19-20). In covering our fathers' mistakes, we show them Love and Respect and safeguard against the potential consequences of dishonoring them. Just as Shem and Japheth averted their eyes from Noah's nakedness and covered him without looking, we are called to protect and preserve the dignity of our fathers, Earthly and Spiritual alike. By doing so, we uphold the Values of Honour and Humility, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and judgment.
Whether our fathers are biological or Spiritual, genuine Love dictates that we don't revel in their weaknesses or expose their vulnerabilities. Understanding that a father serves as a covering in our lives, it becomes evident that exposing their shortcomings inadvertently strips away our protection, leaving us vulnerable to Spiritual attacks (Ecc. 10:8). It's essential to recognize that "nakedness" extends beyond physical exposure: It encompasses any human weakness or frailty. This includes judging our fathers' actions in the flesh and broadcasting their failings, whether in person or online. Instead of publicly shaming them, our role is to pray for and intercede on behalf of our fathers (Prov. 20:20). By maintaining a posture of Love, Respect, and Discretion towards our fathers, we not only honour them but also safeguard ourselves from the consequences of dishonoring Authority. In doing so, we uphold the Biblical Principles of Humility, Forgiveness, and Reverence, fostering healthy relationships and Spiritual Growth within our families and communities.
Shem and Japheth not only covered Noah's nakedness physically but also preserved his dignity by refusing to look at him and thus avoiding any distortion in their perception of their father. The responsibility of genuine sons is indeed to conceal their father's weaknesses rather than expose them. It's a reminder that every father, regardless of stature or position, has vulnerabilities. Bearing tales about a father's sins or weaknesses is not only dishonouring but also damaging to the relationship and harmful to all involved. If anyone has been involved in spreading such tales, it's crucial to cease immediately, repent, and seek forgiveness from God. If necessary, apologize to the father in question and take steps to retract any derogatory remarks made online.
Upholding our fathers in Prayer and showing them Respect and Honour is not only a Biblical Principle but also essential for maintaining healthy relationships and Spiritual integrity.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for these Revelations and Truths You have unveiled to us today. Please help us always conceal the nakedness of our fathers. We pray that You will preserve our father and shield him from the wiles of the enemy and the schemes of unreasonable men in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.
