The God Who Remembers His Covenant

Genesis chapter 8 seems like a revisiting of Genesis chapter 1. Just as in the beginning God's Spirit moved over the waters (1:2), so now God's wind blew over the floodwaters. Above the waters, a dove was released by Noah to fly back and forth. As the waters receded and the earth dried, olive leaves sprouted, and the creatures from the ark emerged onto the land 'according to its kind' (1:24). Then, God's blessing resounded once more: 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth' as he received Noah's burnt offerings. The flood was not merely a judgment, but an act of grace through which God renewed and restored the sin-stained world (vv. 1- 22).

V. 1 God remembers his people. He remembered Noah in the ark (v. 1; 6:18; Ex 2:25), which does not merely mean not forgetting, but fulfilling a covenant. Though waiting and building the ark for about a year was not easy, the entire process unfolded under God's protection and governance. Because we trust in our faithful God, we also can steadfastly hope and wait for him in our journey of faith.

What lesson is God teaching me? Vv. 20-22 Worship is a befitting response of those saved by God. Just as Noah offered burn offerings upon leaving the ark, we too must worship God as we confess we are undeserving sinners; such an acknowledgement shows that salvation is a gift from God and is reflective of our gratitude. The worship of thanksgiving that springs from a saved life is always a fragrant offering for God.

Dear God, stir my stubborn and sinful heart into a gentle and righteous heart that understands your love.