Creation and Noah, Bible Notes by Ruth and Martin Conway

These Bible notes were originally published in Words for Today 2003, edited by Nicola Slee, reproduced with the permission of the International Bible Reading Association.

The Genesis story writers tackle key issues for life on Earth: how do we relate to the Creator, to others in the human community, and to the rest of the natural world? How do these relationships interact? Creation climaxes in human beings made 'in the image of God' with the potential for loving and responsible relationships. God call us to fulfil this potential: to trust and love God, our neighbours, and the whole earth community which supports and sustains life. God offers this Covenant with a compassion that will in the end lead to the passion of Jesus - and waits for our commitment.

Genesis 8.1-5,15-22

First Priority: Worship

And so, in the story, life begins again. The destructive climatic conditions subside. Noah's family and the assorted living creatures, having learned to live together in cramped conditions, are now free to spread out and colonise the earth again. But before embarking on this new life, Noah's first priority is to build an altar to offer worship to God. He acknowledges his dependence on God, and in response, God confirms that the basic conditions for life will be maintained. And what of us today? It is not only living creatures that have spread over the earth, but the means of exploiting natural resources, communication networks, trade, financial dealings, and security systems. The result is a grossly inequitable world in which, for many people, the basic conditions for life are in danger. Have we lost our way by failing to honour the purposes of a just and compassionate Creator? Have we so little gratitude for the marvels of Creation that we plunder it with impunity? Is our love for God so weak that we hardly know how to love our neighbour?

Creator God,turn us towards you in praise and thankfulness. May our worship inspire in us a care for all the intricate relationships that uphold the life of the planet and support its many peoples.

Genesis 9.1-17

Look to the Skies!

The terms of the covenant are spelt out. God promises no more all-out destruction if we fulfil our part: respect for other living creatures (even if we are now, unlike Genesis 1.29, allowed to kill and eat some) and for the life of our sisters and brothers across the world.

The light by which the Creator brilliantly pierced the darkness of primeval chaos is now seen as a vibrant spectrum of colours in the midst of the recently destructive rainclouds: the promise of beauty wrought by harmonising variety and difference, and of new beginning born out of judgement and disaster. The Creator has not and will not abandon the creation.

The threatening clouds are with us again, but this time they are predominantly human-induced: climate change brought on by greenhouse gas emissions from the guzzlers of fossil fuels in industry, transport and buildings. We have upset the natural balances on which life depends.

The bow in the sky is a reminder that the covenant needs commitment from our side too. Those who live under the lure of rampant consumerism are called to break the spell and demonstrate abundant life by 'living more simply that others may simply live'.

Creator God, alert us to the irreparable damage we are causing. Inspire in us ways of living that safeguard life for all.

For reflection - alone or with a group

• What prophetic word needs to be spoken to political, industrial, commercial and financial leaders in order to reduce the degradation of earth's life-sustaining eco-systems and to ensure a more equitable sharing of natural resources?

• Does the Creation feature regularly in your church worship? Could your congregation adopt an environmental policy covering management of the premises and land and the purchase of goods? - and what would need to be done to act on it?

• How can you adapt your lifestyle to ensure a lower impact on the environment? e.g. saving energy, conserving water, cutting waste, organic gardening, questioning consumer hype, minimising food miles, making less journeys using fossil fuels, investing in environmentally responsible companies.

For Action

Based on your reflections on the above, what practical steps can you, your family and friends, your congregation, your work base, now take?