Thursday, June 3, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Keith Thompson
As I write this, I hear the dripping of water from the trees in the yard after a night of rain. I see the wet grass and road. Today, rain is often a symbol of life and renewal. We need water to live and to grow the food that sustains us. In this passage, however, Noah and his family and all the living things are beginning life after the great flood subsides, after water has destroyed everything.
As those in the ark emerge back onto the earth, God sets a new precedent for the relationship between Creator and Creation. After reaffirming the presence of God in each person—"for in his own image God made humankind”—God establishes a covenant with humanity. In Genesis 9:1-17, God says that this covenant exists between God, humans, and every living creature no fewer than five times. Until this point it has been a one-way relationship from God to all living creatures. This post-flood covenant marks the beginning of a special, two-way bond between God and God’s creation.
At the heart of the covenant lies the promise that God will never again flood and destroy the earth. In the repetitions, we understand that God chooses and will continue to choose us, using phrases like “everlasting” and “for all future generations.” God chooses to be our God. In the rainbow, God remembers the covenant. We can remember and echo God’s choices and choose to see that same value in all members of creation.
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
