"God said to Noah and 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 us 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 ... '"
     Genesis 9.8-13

This passage, which was read on Sunday, is part of a very familiar story from Genesis -- the story of Noah and the ark. For many of us, this is one of our strongest memories from Sunday School -- I can still picture the flannelgraph figures of Noah, the ark, the animals, the flood and finally the dove and the rainbow.

But this story is much more than just a simple story of animals and an ark. It is a powerful story of God's disappointment for the creation God so dearly loves. It is a powerful story of death and new life. It is a powerful story of God's covenant, promise, to all creation: the people, the animals and all the created order. God's promise not just for Noah and his family, but for all future generations.

We are a part of that promise. We are a part of the future generations. We are recipients of God's covenant with us. God's covenant which requires nothing from us yet gives us everything. This promise is made to us in our baptism and renewed every time we receive the bread and wine of communion. It comes to us in the midst of storm and clouds, as well as in the calm.

With everything around us feeling uncertain and tense, with war drums beating on the horizon, with cries of hungry children echoing in our ears, with sickness and disease a reality, God's covenant sustains us to carry on our daily ministries. God's divine commitment strengthens us to continue living out our faith each and every day.

God of all creation, we give you thanks that by your hand you continue to bless and sustain us and all living things. Because of your promise, we can live faithfully every day. In a world of uncertainty, we give thanks that your word is sure and your promise certain. We pray this and all our prayers through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen

Contributed by Pastor Tracie
Published Monday March 10, 2003
Week 15 of Liturgical Year B