Series: Finding Favor With God [#4]
GOD’S COVENANT OF GRACE
Genesis 9:1-29
Introduction:
Tonight, as we reflect on God's covenant of grace, it is important to understand the profound symbolism of the rainbow- God’s promise after the flood that He would never again destroy the Earth with water. The rainbow stands as a divine sign of mercy, hope, and the unbreakable covenant between God and all living creatures. It was a visible reminder of God's faithfulness and His gracious commitment to preserve life on earth.
However, in recent times, the rainbow has been co-opted by various groups, notably the LGBTQ+ community, as a symbol of identity, pride, and advocacy. While the intention behind this appropriation is rooted in seeking acceptance and rights, it has, for many, led to a distortion of the biblical symbolism. The rainbow, which was once a divine reminder of God’s promise to the World, has, in some contexts, been used to promote agendas that stand in contrast to biblical teachings about God's design and holiness. As believers, it is vital to understand the origins and true meaning of God's covenant symbol. Tonight, let us explore how God’s promise in Genesis is a testament of His grace- A grace that extends to all, inviting us into a relationship rooted in His mercy and faithfulness.
Genesis 9:1-7
God's covenant of grace…
1. Establishes God's blessings and authority.
God's covenant of grace is vividly demonstrated through His promise to Noah and his descendants after the flood. This covenant affirms God's unwavering commitment to bless and uphold creation, establishing His authority as the sovereign Lord over all living beings. By setting the parameters of human responsibility, (such as the command to refrain from murder and the institution of the sacredness of human life) God’s blessings are intertwined with His divine authority. This act of covenant-making reveals that God's grace is not merely about unmerited favor but also about establishing a moral order rooted in His sovereignty. It underscores that God's blessings are rooted in His divine authority, which provides a foundation of security and purpose for humanity, ensuring that His promises are grounded in His steadfast character.
Believers are called to reflect this understanding of God's covenant of grace by recognizing that God's blessings come with a divine authority that demands a response of obedience and reverence. Just as God established His authority through the covenant, believers are to live under the acknowledgment that God's moral standards are non-negotiable because they stem from His gracious and sovereign rule. This means actively pursuing a life that honors God's commandments, trusting that His blessings, (such as peace, protection, and provision) are rooted in His covenantal promise. As recipients of God's grace, we are also called to extend that grace to others, affirming God's authority and blessing in our relationships and stewardship of His creation, thereby embodying the covenant’s hope and moral order in our daily lives.
Genesis 9:8-17
God's covenant of grace…
2. Promises preservation and compassion.
The covenant of grace established by God reveals His unwavering commitment to His creation, emphasizing His promises of preservation and compassion. This covenant underscores that God's grace is not contingent upon human merit but is rooted in His sovereign mercy. By promising never to flood the Earth again and setting the rainbow as a perpetual sign, God demonstrates His desire to sustain life and uphold His mercy through all generations. This act of divine compassion assures believers that God's grace is ongoing, steadfast, and characterized by His covenant-keeping nature, reaffirming that He is a God who preserves His promises out of love and faithfulness.
Believers are called to respond to God's covenant of grace by embodying the same compassion and faithfulness in their relationships. Just as God commits to preserving life and showing mercy, Christians are challenged to extend grace, patience, and compassion to others, especially in a World marred by brokenness and judgment. Recognizing that God's preservation and compassion are rooted in His covenant should inspire believers to trust in His promises, remain steadfast in faith, and actively demonstrate kindness and mercy in their daily lives. This covenant serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace is both a divine gift and a call for His followers to mirror His lovingkindness in a broken World.
Genesis 9:18-29
God's covenant of grace…
3. Demonstrates mercy and calls for obedience.
God's covenant of grace is vividly demonstrated through His unwavering mercy despite human sinfulness. After the flood, God establishes a covenant with Noah and his descendants, reaffirming His commitment to uphold life and order on the earth. This covenant is rooted in grace, (God's unmerited favor) highlighted by His mercy in sparing humanity from complete destruction and providing a new beginning. Yet, this grace is not without expectations; God's call for obedience is evident in the command to Noah and his family to be fruitful, multiply, and steward the Earth responsibly. The covenant underscores that God's mercy invites a response, (obedience) that reflects gratitude and trust in His goodness. It reminds believers today that God's grace is a gift that calls us into a life of obedience rooted in love, not merely duty, acknowledging His mercy while committing to live in accordance with His will.
Embracing God's covenant of grace calls believers to respond with obedience that flows from gratitude for His mercy. Just as Noah's obedience was a response to God's grace, Christians are called to live out their faith by upholding God's standards of righteousness and stewardship in their daily lives. This means actively demonstrating mercy to others, reflecting God's grace in our actions, and fostering a community rooted in forgiveness and compassion. Moreover, recognizing God's mercy should motivate believers to obey His commands not out of obligation but as a response to His love- Living as faithful stewards of His creation and extending His grace to a broken World. By doing so, we participate in God's ongoing covenant of grace, bearing witness to His mercy and calling others to respond in obedience and faith.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on God's covenant of grace established with Noah and all creation, we are reminded of His unwavering commitment to us even in our imperfections. God's promise to never again flood the Earth and His covenant sealed with the rainbow demonstrate His mercy and faithfulness. This covenant is not just a historical event; it is a testament to His ongoing grace that invites us into relationship and renewal. Today, God offers us the same grace- An unmerited gift that transforms lives, restores hope, and calls us to walk in obedience and trust.
So, I invite you now to respond to this divine invitation. If you have never accepted God's grace through Jesus Christ, or if you desire to renew your commitment to Him, come forward and surrender your life to His loving covenant. Let God's grace wash over you today, renewing your spirit and guiding your steps. The altar is open- Come and receive the grace that God freely offers, and let your life be a living testament to His enduring covenant of love.
