GENESIS 9 COVENANT In my journeying I watched the four families start a new life. Now not only can they take their food from plant life, but from animal life too for their sustenance. They were forbidden to eat blood as it is the life of the flesh, but they flesh of animals they could now eat.
The rainbow arching across the sky in front of rain clouds was there in its beauty as a promise from God that He keeps His word. There would never be another world wide flood. That rainbow is a sign to us today that God always keeps His promises. That covenant also includes the promise that the seasons will come each year at a time expected. Even the animals know when seasons come and go as a result of that covenant God made with Noah. Some animals go into hibernation at certain times of the year. Others travel miles north and south as that covenant of seasons acts on its regular time.
I am reminded that God is faithful to His Word. He will never fail to fulfill the terms of the covenant He made with Noah.
With a kind of sinking feeling, I watched a godly man fail in his influence on his sons. I was reminded that our children will always watch our lives for exemplary conduct, even though they are adults with adult children of their own. Respect can be lost over one failure and may never be fully regained again.
I was made aware of the fact that there is always the possibility of evil coming to the surface in the life of a righteous man. I am never free from that possibility. In my heart, in that of my family, there still exists the potential for a fall. It may come from the most seemingly innocent source, but the potential still remains.
Even though there was the great deliverance from the flood, there was a latent danger nearby and it came from the activities of every-day life.
I learn from those in the past that I myself am not immune to temptation, but I am not subject to temptation. I do not have to yield to it. God's grace is greater than all my sin.
That grace is for me - even me!
The growth and success of our family can lead To benefits both great and small. But there is the danger of personal pride Tripping us up that we might have a fall. It is important that parents and children alike Take heed as to how they walk. I can stumble those who testimony was bright With even a bit of careless talk.
The children may not do what the parent does But there is an attitude that is formed. They may go even farther away in what they choose And think what I did is the norm. I hope I have not turned them aside already From the path I know is best. It is very difficult to keep a full cup steady And think that is evidence that they are blest.
It is my prayer that the covenant I've made With God relating to my life and service - Will help my family to keep looking ahead, And God in our family life can trust us. It would bring great joy when our lives are complete, If God could be able to say to us, "Well done." When we gather in a complete circle at His feet - We will say, "We are so glad to be finally at home."
"Father, my family holds a special place in my life. Please help me to fill a special place in theirs. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."