Reading: Genesis 9

God removed the wicked people by the flood; but people remain sinful. This is shown by Noah’s drunkenness and his curse over Ham’s sinful response. Will ungodliness again become widespread and will God again destroy the world? God had already promised to Noah that while the earth remains the days and seasons will continue. To reinforce this promise God makes a solemn covenant, with the sign of the rainbow, that “the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh” (Genesis 9:15).

 

God blesses Noah and repeats mandate of Genesis 1 to “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” The original task given to Adam remains, that is, to develop the earth to glorify God and accommodate many people.  Today the development of the earth continues through man’s daily work.  Genesis 1 and 9 reveal to us that our daily work, when done in the right way, is pleasing to God. This gives deep meaning to our daily work.

 

Key text: Genesis 9:13 “I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.”

 

Question: After the flood sin remained on the earth; Noah realised this with his own drunkenness and the cursing of Ham. It seemed that, in principle, nothing changed by the flood. Today is no different. God’s wrath over sin is sure to come again. But Noah did not despair; nor do we. Why?