Genesis 9:12-15 ESV

12 And 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: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 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.

After the flood and destruction of the earth, God opens the door of the ark and declares to Noah and us new beginning, a second chance. This is all about what God is doing in the earth, and he has made a commitment to us because of his fidelity to us and creation.   

In spite of the craziness of our world and the tsunami of hardships we are facing, like the violent water and wind that beat against the ark, because of God’s fidelity, He has made a new covenant of peace between us and every living creature now and for all future generations. His visible covenant in the sky of a “bow in the clouds” is a sign to us and him of his ongoing fidelity to that covenant. 

In spite of our failures in the past, God wants to remind us of his willingness to give us a second chance.  With this new outlook we have a “divine antidote” in Christ in the midst of the challenges we face.               

In view of this fidelity Brueggemann states, “we are left dazzled by a God who has made a new resolve about creation; we are left aware enough to notice the regularity of gift-giving creation; we are left grateful that God gives and gives and gives, in keeping with God’s own pledge of fidelity.”   

Brueggemann continues, “Imagine what it was like that day, to step off the ark into a peaceable land.  And now the work is toward a new life that matches God’s new promise. It is our proper work. We are inundated by God’s loyalty. God remembers … and we may not forget.” 

It is in our remembering God’s faithfulness and fidelity, that we hope for a brighter tomorrow. Even when we may sometimes give up and our world seems to be careening out of control, we are confident because of his covenant with creation, and His new promises.   

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

“Remember God, bold before us this Lenten season the promise of your commitment to creation.  Flooded by your fidelity, may we work toward a new life that matches your promise. Amen.”