Genesis 9: 18-27 “The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And Ham was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah, and from them the whole earth was populated.
Now Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside.
Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness.
When Noah awoke from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.”
After the lovely story of the rainbow, we have this strange tale of a family dispute. The flood waters have gone. Noah has three sons And in the beginning, they all have equal prospects and equal opportunities. But Noah has planted a vineyard and has made wine and is now so drunk that he is sprawling naked within his tent. Ham, the youngest son, peeps into the tent, sees Noah, and tells his brothers, mocking his father as he does so. Why should Ham do such a thing? Perhaps Ham wants to lord it over his elder brothers-“Look what I know that you don’t!” Perhaps Ham has heard his father muttering strange things in his drunken state. Shem and Japheth are horrified and spread a cloth between the two of them, backing into the tent so they can cover Noah without looking at him; they cover Noah and move out, never once glancing at Noah. Despite Noah’s pitiful state, Shem and Japheth do everything they can to honor their father. Once Noah sobers up, he learns how Ham has made fun of him and becomes very angry, cursing Ham and his son Canaan and all the generations of their family to come. Noah blesses Shem and Japheth for their respectful handling of the situation.
When a friend or relative does something embarrassing, we can create a peaceful resolution or we can embarrass them. But remember that the measure you give out is the measure you will receive. What goes around really does come around, and tomorrow you might be the one caught in an embarrassing situation.
Notice that this account says nothing about how Shem and Japheth feel about their father getting drunk. They might be sad and embarrassed as well. But these two men are doing everything in their power to honor their father even in his drunken state. When the Bible admonishes us to honor our parents, it does not list any exceptions such as “honor your parents as long as they are not doing anything shameful.” God loves us despite our shortcomings, not because of them. We must be as gracious to others as God is to us. We must grant all those around us the same measure of grace we would hope for were we in their position.
Some of us have no problems granting others grace. I was unfortunately raised in a home in which “smart” criticism of others was applauded. It has taken me most of my adult life to break the habits I learned as a child. If you find yourself in that same situation, do what I continue to do-ask God to change you and to help you to be kind and loving rather than harsh and critical. You will find much more peace when you are gracious.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to be kind and loving, even when we are tempted to be harsh and critical. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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