Noah’s Covenant

Read Genesis 8:20-22

From the time of Genesis 3, we have seen the pervasive effect that sin has had on all creation in many different ways, from the curse upon the ground to relational discord within humanity. Even though God wiped every living thing from the face of the earth, except his righteous chosen ones, they too were still corrupted by sin . There is no way that humanity could extinguish the sin that was now present down to the intentions of their hearts (Gen. 6:5-6, 8:21).

And yet, just as Able brought an acceptable sacrifice to God despite his sin, we see Noah do the same. Genesis 8:21 says that the sacrifice was a “pleasing aroma” to God - we can only imagine in humble gratitude to God for his saving work in the ark. However, there is something different about this sacrifice: God didn’t simply accept it, but he also made a covenant. This covenant was a promise made not just to Noah, but to all of humanity (with Noah as their representative). The covenant had no requirements for humanity, God simply promised that he would not wipe out every living thing as he had done with the flood. But, the question remains: how will God deal with his sinful and corrupted creation? The Noahic covenant shows not only God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises, but also points to his fulfilment of another future covenant which he makes, where he deals with sin once and for all.

As we look at Noah, we see there is hope for God to accept a sacrifice from humanity one day, where sin is removed once and for all and humanity’s relationship with God can be restored. In Luke 22:20, Jesus says “this cup is the new covenant in my blood”. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the new covenant that Noah’s covenant looks forward to, one where humanity can be brought back into God’s family as his children.

Question:

What does it look like for you to remember the “pleasing aroma” that is Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf, today?