Lent 1 | Genesis 9:8-17 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Covenant by Andy and Rachel Graham

Lyrics:
A solemn oath from God to man,
For the seed of Abraham.
Wrought in fire and sealed with blood,
Ratified by God the Son.

The righteous seed, the chosen one,
Remembrance of God's mercy come.
Quick to rescue, strong to save,
God in flesh, in blood, in bone.

You are God to us, You are God to us
You are God to us, You keep your covenant

This covenant at Calvary
Hangs upon a sinner's tree.
Death and grave could not contain.
Raised to life, he overcame!

You are God to us, You are God to us
You are God to us, You keep your covenant

We call on the name of the Lord, YHWH
We call on the name of the Lord.
We call on the name of the Lord,
YHWH, YHWH

We call on the name of the Lord, YHWH
We call on the name of the Lord.
We call on the name of the Lord,
YHWH, YHWH

Filled with power from on high.
Holy Spirit, God divine.
In my life your will be done.
Father let your kingdom come.

Passage:
8 Then God said to Noah and his sons with him, 9 “Understand that I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you ​— ​birds, livestock, and all wildlife of the earth that are with you ​— ​all the animals of the earth that came out of the ark. 11 I establish my covenant with you that never again will every creature be wiped out by floodwaters; there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth.”

12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all future generations: 13 I have placed my bow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all the living creatures: water will never again become a flood to destroy every creature. 16 The bow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it and remember the permanent covenant between God and all the living creatures on earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and every creature on earth.” -- Genesis 9:8-17 (CSB)

Musical Reflection:
Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545: II. Andante by W. A. Mozart

Reflection Notes:
In true fashion for Mozart’s middle movements, this Andante blooms slowly with gentle and delicate notes; the melody ascends in joyful fashion at the most climactic points before settling back down with the satisfying left hand harmonies.

Prayer:
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.