Do-Over, Reflection on Genesis 9:8-17

God had given them everything, and they had messed up. Noah and his family have been given a new start. In the verses preceding this week's lection, God has told Noah what is to be expected of human beings.

Now, God announced to Noah, "I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you: No more floods to destroy the earth."

But not just those on the ark. God expands the promise to every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.

As we travel through Lent, let us try to remember two things:

God's covenant is everlasting.
God's covenant is with all people on the earth.

The sign of the covenant is the rainbow. The New Interpreters' Study Bible reminds us that the Hebrew word is simply bow which in the rest of the Old Testament always refers to a weapon. "Thus the divine instrument of war and death, perhaps recalling the flood, is laid aside in the clouds and becomes the sign of the peace and life assured in the covenant."

As we travel through Lent, let us consider what weapon we need to lay aside.

Lectio Divina: Psalm 25:6-7