Read: Genesis 9:8-17.
FEATHER: Creator God, grant us wisdom and strength of heart to be faithful and true in all we say and do. Clothe us with humility, so as not to dominate but to serve and bless, going forward always in your light and word. Grant your peace over our conflicts and struggles, comfort and soothe our pains and losses, protect and lead us through your love and promises. This we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
SAGE: “Standing on the Promises of Christ, My King” is one of my mother’s favorite hymns. She often asks me to sing it to her when I’m playing the guitar. The testimony of the song is that God is always faithful in promises and covenants. This came to mind when reading Genesis 9, wherein the Almighty makes the covenant with Noah and all creation that never again will the world be destroyed by the waters of the flood. The rainbow in the clouds is to be the sign of the covenant.
Today, Mother Earth is crying out to humanity through the extreme weather events that dominate the news—storms, floods, tornadoes, oppressive heat domes and wildfires. We, as Christians, pray for those affected, and we look for God’s promise of a rainbow as a sign of relief and hope in our need. God Almighty is steadfast in promises, and we can stand on that bedrock of our faith.
Covenants and treaties signed and sealed are agreements that unite and strengthen. They are open testimonies for all bearing witness. Honouring the commitments demonstrates the nature and conviction of the parties.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6 between the Crown and the Indigenous peoples of the western plains. The treaties were for all peoples of Canada and the Indigenous peoples, so that all might share and benefit. We sometimes even use the phrase, “We are all treaty people.”
Today, in the storms of uncertainty and confusion, we have forgotten promises made, treaties signed and relationships sealed. Thus, we are tossed about like flotsam, struggling and conflicted.
We cannot force wisdom and peace upon anyone, but as Christians we can reflect the love, grace and hope that the Almighty has blessed us with. The sign of the rainbow above the clouds is a promise that God is with us and before us, no matter what storm life presents. United in truth and covenantal relationship, humanity together can stand on the promises of Christ our king.
