Genesis 9:8-17

Rainbow over the Pyramid, Cairo, Egypt, 2008, by Haikeu Hai Thinh

It feels good to belong. We all enjoy gathering with family and friends; we can’t wait to share stories after vacations; we like others to help us celebrate our victories and support us when we grieve. To be human is to desire to be part of a group. This passage tells us that we are now part of a very special group indeed: the group with whom God is making a covenant.

God makes covenant with Noah and descendants -- ceramic, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Prior to this passage, we read about the aftermath of the flood, and Noah and his family once again stepping onto dry ground. In the reading following our passage, we have a story of Noah’s drunkenness. But between these two narrative passages about Noah and his family, time collapses and suddenly we are the story! God seems to be using this very human family to show us that no matter what our condition, God is making a promise to us. Forever. Period. And then, because maybe we still don’t believe God, there will be signs to remind us.

Lent is a good time to look for God’s signs. Things are beginning to change; it’s time to heighten our awareness….

—Kyle Vohlken