“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord… Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:8-9)

The Bible says that Noah was “just” which is to say “righteous” and that he was “perfect,” which literally means “undefiled, complete.” From this description we understand that he had not mixed, physically or spiritually, with those of his culture and generation. It was his righteousness and willingness to live a set apart life that gave Noah access to God’s grace. But consider this: no where does the Bible say that Noah’s wife found grace in the eyes of the Lord, or for that matter, his sons, Shem, Ham and Japeth. So then, could it be that Noah’s righteousness allowed for them to be delivered with him? Is it possible that God honored Noah’s righteous living by saving the rest of his family?

Consider Lot and his family. They were in a place they really shouldn’t have been. Those of Lot’s family who were saved – he and his two daughters – owed a debt of gratitude to Abraham because it can be argued that God spared Lot and his family because of Abraham’s relationship with God. Perhaps more of Lot’s family would have been spared had they possessed the good sense to listen to the warning given by the angels.

Consider the Israelites in Egypt at the first Passover. It’s not the righteousness or obedience of the first-born that brought about his redemption; it was the father’s obedience. The father of those Israelite families was the one who took the blood of a lamb and applied it to the door. Because of the father’s obedience to God’s instruction, his first-born was delivered. 

In these trying times, so many of us are concerned about children, our grandchildren, and other loved ones — and rightfully so. The times are dark and dangerous but, still, we must keep in mind what Paul told the Philippian jailor in Acts 16:31:

“Believe on the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Based on this verse and the examples presented, there is a strong case for the notion that our faithfulness to Him may result in the deliverance of our loved ones. Obviously, every person in every household will make their own choices and, consequently, answer for them. Still, it seems that there have been times when God saved others because of one righteous person.

On the other hand, when the opportunity for deliverance comes, a person must be willing to take advantage of God’s grace and mercy. In the story of Lot we see that, even when people are offered deliverance, they choose to remain where they are or, like Lot’s wife, look longingly at what kept them in bondage. 

If we are walking upright before Him as Noah and Abraham, did, He is faithful to keep His promises to us; He provides deliverance for us and our households. That is something that should encourage us in this day and time, and should provoke us to continue walking faithfully before Him. So continue praying for your loved ones, believing that God will be faithful to save you and your family. If we will strive to be faithful to Him He will be faithful to us. 

Shalom