Gen 9:1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons….
Genesis 9 seems at once wholly familiar and utterly new. This is the chapter where God sets the rainbow as the sign of His covenant with mankind to never destroy the earth by floodwaters again. In the story of Noah told in children’s books, the rainbow is the end of the story.
Gen 9:20-21 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.
But in Gen 9, the rainbow is not the end of the story. Noah, who was once so closely connected to God, so highly favored by God, now lies drunk and naked in his tent. How did this happen? Did he become complacent in his relationship? Did he get so distracted by earning a living from the soil that he lost sight of his vital connection with his God? Is the lesson here to stay vigilant, stay rooted firmly in God so that we do not get distracted by the things of this world?
Gen 9:23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s naked body.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for Your covenant with mankind. Once again I feel unsure of exactly what to make of this chapter, Lord, but I trust You are taking me through Genesis for a purpose. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord (Eph 1:18). Help me to understand Your word. Draw me closer. Amen.
Gen 9:13 “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.