Genesis 6 - 9

What stood out today: v6:6 The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain. v8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. v18 But I will establish my covenant with you and you will enter the ark. v22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him. v8:21 The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. v9:11 I establish my covenant with you. v12 This is the sign of the covenant.

My response: Well, Lord, this is an amazing passage.

1. How what we do grieves you and grieves you at a heart level. Also, I wonder at Noah's sacrifice - was it his heart attitude you smelled? Was it his love, fear, worship along with the sacrifice that you found so pleasing? What we do really impacts you... that is a fearsome thing.
2. In your wrath you have the power to wipe out everything.
3. In your grace you find "Favor." What was it about Noah that you found favorable?
4. This is your first covenant, a promise from God, and with it a sign - a rainbow to remind you. So. You are intimately connected to us. You are close. You see all, you know all, you are affected by all things. Your grace, compassion, and practical care is beautiful. Your promises are precious. You are immense, larger, grander than I can get my head and heart around... And then - Jesus - someone we could put our arms around. Yahweh the enormous...became Immanuel - Jesus - God with us. God one of us.
5. You are a personal God. v8:11 I establish my covenant with you.