“Mercy me”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Monday, January 17, 2022
Genesis 8:6-22 (Forward, p. 80) CEV p. 8
Here, once again, is one of these historical passages that seem to have little or no relevance or application to everyday life today. Of course, let it be said at the onset, there are doubtless people out there who have tried. In opening section about the subsiding of the flood waters, some have probably said that this passage indicates that God will see to it that there will be a recovery from disasters, but that it will take time. Or, that God will indicate to the survivors when it is safe to venture out. Or--here we are really far-fetched--that we can use animals, birds in particular, to carry out our investigative work. But all of this totally speculative and isn’t at all supported by the text. The text remains solidly rooted, and applicable, to a specific occasion and set of people. And, even Noah’s example of offering sacrifices to God of every ‘clean’ animal and bird, cannot be lifted up as an example for today. In this case, it is actually ruled out explicitly in the New Testament in that we are told that animal sacrifices have been done away through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
But there is one thing in our passage that certainly can be said to apply to all peoples and all times, and that is God’s promise of mercy. God acknowledges that sin will continue to prevail upon the earth, but promises to never to punish humankind by destroying everything that breathes upon the earth. (In chapter 9, verses 9-17, He makes a solemn promise, a covenant with all living things, that actually names floods as the agent, and then puts the rainbow in the sky as a reminder of that covenant).
God’s promise of mercy in spite of our continued sin and wrongdoing is unmitigated good news and foreshadows His once and for all ‘method’ of dealing with sin, namely the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Never, however, does this suggest that sin is just glossed over or covered up; nor does it mean that it doesn’t matter or that we humans will not be held accountable. Never does it suggest that there is no penalty or consequence with our sin. In fact, the death of Jesus proves just the opposite: there is indeed a fallout and a consequence, which is death, and therefore an accountability and a penalty, all of which Jesus has paid for with His life. So, we have abundant reason, not only to rejoice in this most inestimable benefit, but also, to live accordingly. Amen.
Forward notes: “Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth” (verse 17).
“God not only liberates and loves people but also animals. They, too, are a part of our greater family.
“Scripture records their creation—the birds and animals and even the creeping things. And not only are they named in scripture, but also God is clear that these living things should be fruitful and multiply. In Romans 8:21, we hear an echo of this liberating love of God the Creator: ‘that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.’
“What is our role in helping this happen? We can look to the story of Noah as an example. God wanted the animals to abound upon the earth and called upon Noah and his wife to make this happen. This legacy and responsibility to care for all of creation is passed through the centuries to us today. Every living thing is special. God made it so—and asks us to act in ways that reflect this truth.”
Moving Forward: “Consider a donation to a local animal shelter.”
