Maturing in the Covenant

Jim:

Genesis 9:1-17
The covenant that God makes—and marks with the sign of the rainbow—is between God and all creation. This point is made over and over in this passage: “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you…” (v. 9-10a). “Never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth” (v. 11). “I make (a covenant) between me and you and every living creature that is with you” (v. 12). “I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh” (v. 15). Clearly God’s concern is for the world, for all of creation, and not just for humanity. But this works for human good, because without the entirety of creation our own lives would be impossible. Since we are made in God’s image, we should endeavor to share in God’s care for creation as good stewards of what God has made and with which God has made a divine pact. Humanity plays a unique role in creation, but we are not alone in receiving God’s care and concern. Nor are we to use our position as an excuse to defile what God has given us, to let our greed run rampant until there is nothing left.

Hebrews 5:7-14
Verse 14 is interesting: “But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.” Since when is it so difficult to tell right from wrong, good from evil? Do we really need practice telling the good guys from the bad guys? The truth is, yes, we do. Small children are driven by their instincts, by curiosity and desire and so they take what isn’t theirs and do things that are potentially harmful. Only with age and experience do they begin to learn what is appropriate behavior. Moral living is similar. As we grow and develop we learn that some actions can cause harm to others, or can damage our relationships. Even so-called “victimless crimes” can leave pain and damage in their wake. Some people never seem to learn. Others never seem to learn how to control their actions. Spiritually speaking, the full meaning of God’s word and God’s activity in Jesus Christ is difficult to understand and to absorb, and it is best left for those who have matured in the faith and their ability to discern.

John 3:16-21
This passage relates well to the other two. Verse 16 reminds us that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” Just as the covenant at the time of Noah was with all creation, so the gift of the Son is for all humankind. But those who have not reached a suitable level of maturity and whose deeds are evil, do not come to the light, do not accept Jesus Christ and his love (v. 19).