SCRIPTURE: Genesis 9:1-17

OBSERVATION:
God again renews the creation mandate (first given to Adam and Eve, Genesis 1:28).
This time God offers the animals for food, whereas in the beginning it was just the plants (Genesis 1:28-30). We were created to be vegetarians?
This is where Jehovah’s Witnesses develop their opposition to blood transfusions, since it is like eating “life-blood”.
God explains why murder is wrong, because every person is made in the image of God (this is also why slander is wrong, James 3:9-10).
A covenant is an agreement (or contract) between two parties, sometimes made between equals but also (as in this case) imposed on a lesser party.
God offers the rainbow as a sign (like a wedding ring) of His commitment to never again wipe clean the whole creation. It is a sign both for God and for people.

APPLICATION:
God is gracious (providing meat for food) yet still very serious that life (represented by “life-blood”) is sacred.
We still are called by God to represent and work with Him in this world, despite our sinfulness. We are still called to be stewards (caretakers) of His creation.
Whenever I see a rainbow (or any other sign that encourages me that God is real, that God is working), I am encouraged. I personally call these “signs” rainbows from God, reminders of His commitment, grace and patience to me.
When God makes a promise, He will keep it!
There are times when I wish God would wipe the world clean. It is awful how bad things get in the world, and it is mind-boggling that God endure it.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for Your patience, as well as for Your rescue plan, that I know I can be forgiven and can live eternally with You in Your creation. Help me to live each day as Your steward! Amen.