Genesis 7:17, 21; 8:1, 3; 9:14-15 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 7:17, 21; 8:1, 3; 9:14-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17The flood continued forty days on the earth; and the waters increased, and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.
Verse 21And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, domestic animals, wild animals, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all human beings;
Chapter 8But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and all the domestic animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided; Verse 3and the waters gradually receded from the earth. At the end of one hundred fifty days the waters had abated; Verse 14When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, Verse 15I 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.
Devotion
Many children know the story of Noah's ark. Versions of the ancient boat have been made into toys. But this story is actually quite frightening, as the waters of chaos become the instrument of God's destruction.
We glimpse water's destructive power in tsunamis or floods. Some wonder if such destruction is the judgment of God responding to our unabated pride, continued injustice and apparent lack of concern for the earth and each other.
Yet the account of the flood is also a tale of promise. God looks on the water's destruction and vows, "Never again!" God remembers Noah, then sees the rainbow—the sign of the covenant—and remembers the divine promise. The chaotic waters will never again have the final say.
Perhaps we do not have it wrong after all when we give Noah's ark to our children. They, like us, will come to know the horrors of floods. But through their play they also know that the picture of animals walking two by two is a water mark of promise.
Prayer
God of judgment and mercy, protect us from the floods all around us. Look to your rainbow and remember your promise this day and always.
Amen.