Covering for Sin
- jacarroll71
- Jan 4, 2016
- 2 min read
Today’s reading: Genesis 9:18-12:9
Now we come to the incident of Noah’s drunkenness and his sons’ reactions to it. Here is a poignant lesson in our need and our responsibility. We need mercy and covering for our sin. We are responsible to show mercy to others and minimize their sin and failures. I find this challenging, but, by God’s grace, I want to be faithful as I have opportunity to apply this truth.
From Noah the lineage is carefully traced from his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Following Shem’s descendants we come to one Terah and his son Abram, (later to be called Abraham.). We learn that God called Abram with these words:
1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3
This is one of the pivotal passages in all the Bible and we will refer to it again in the course of our reading. God called a pagan man and made a covenant with him. The rest of the Old Testament records the unfolding of that covenant.
Meanwhile, look out for the sinner who has fallen drunk and naked in the way. He (or she) needs covering.
NOTE: Your thoughtful comments and respectful criticisms are welcome below. Please allow a day or two for approval to see your reply on line.
[For more reflections on today’s passage see the January 4 reading in Cover to Cover: Through the Bible in 365 days]
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