Psalm 25:1-10 / Genesis 9:8-17

This Lent I will be preaching from the Pentateuch, the first five books of our Bible. This material is known as Torah, or Law, among those of the Jewish faith. They remain foundational for us Christians, too. My hope is that we can focus on hope during Lent 2024. But my preaching will begin that focus on how we can have a firm hope in 2024 by acknowledging that there is room for us, each and all, to do better.

We begin with a reading from Genesis 9:8-17. The Great Flood has risen and receded, and God assesses the value what has been gained.

First, take careful note of who this covenant includes. God is on one side. But who, exactly, is on the other?

Why do you suppose God’s conclusion, after assessing the flood, is that “never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood”? (See Genesis 9:11).

Go back to Genesis 6:11-13. What was God’s original motivation to flood the earth? What two things were happening among people?

When you think about “the Law of Love” that Jesus describes in Matthew 22:36-40, is it possible that “corruption” in Genesis 6:11 is behavior that rejects love?