Genesis 9:8-11 – A Covenant
As Noah, his family, and the animals come out from the ark and worship God, God makes a covenant with them. What is a covenant? It is an agreement between two or more persons. God is very gracious when He makes covenants with man because He gives us the opportunity to obey Him and be blessed. God’s covenants with man are of His own making – man doesn’t come and suggest an agreement to God. God’s covenants are firmly established; they can’t be ignored or done away with. God also makes His covenants, not just with covenanters (those who agree to the covenant), but also with their children. These children can have all the benefits of being in a covenant with God before they are even capable of agreeing to it.
This particular covenant that God makes with Noah is made to protect the world from another Flood. Man is not going to get any better or more obedient, but God is merciful and doesn’t give us what we deserve. This covenant doesn’t mean that God won’t use other ways of judging mankind for their sin. God also may use a flood in certain areas or countries, but He promises to never again destroy every living thing.
Questions
- What is a covenant and who are covenanters?
- Whom does God make covenants with along with covenanters?
- What did God promise in His covenant with Noah?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God makes covenants.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters