Saturday, March 8, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Genesis 8:4, 9:8–17

And in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (NRSV)

Reflection

When my son was born, we decorated his room in a Noah’s Ark theme — colorful, with an ark and a rainbow, and, of course, lots of animals. Modern culture often depicts Noah’s story much like a children’s book: cheerful animals marching two by two into the ark. Doves and rainbows. All is good!

Although no one talks about it, Noah would have had to have been very careful with the hippopotami. Just like the way the ark story is popularly framed, hippopotami are often portrayed as cute, cuddly creatures. In fact, they are one of the most dangerous animals on earth and kill more than 500 people a year in Africa. I bet your favorite children’s book publisher didn’t share that little tidbit with you!

We sometimes see the cute animals marching to the ark and the dove sitting on Noah’s shoulder and forget that what occurred was a horrific storm and flood that wiped out humanity.

That may be where the insight of the Noah’s Ark story lies. Beyond the charming facade of animals and rainbows, there is a deeper narrative about renewal and hope. Amidst the devastation, Noah’s unwavering faith and obedience to the divine command led to the preservation of life and the promise of a fresh start.

And it is important to remember that this new covenant God made with Noah was unconditional. God’s promise does not depend on human action or faithfulness. God’s interaction with Noah eventually leads to God’s promise to us in Jesus Christ.

Prayer
God Almighty, thank you for your covenant of grace revealed through Noah and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in your promise and live like we are renewed by your mercy. Help us to reflect your love and grace in our daily lives, bringing hope to a world in need of restoration. Amen.

Written by Anthony Hipp, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church 

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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