De-Creation
by the Rev. AJ Ochart
Genesis 6:1-22; 8:6-12; 9:8-17
This week we start the Narrative Lectionary (Year 1, Matthew), a journey through the story of our scriptures. This year, we do not begin with the Priestly creation account of Genesis 1, nor the Yahwist account starting in Genesis 2, but several pages in with the biblical account of the Great Flood. The version of the story that we have is a mix of the Priestly and Yahwist accounts that have been stitched together to make one (semi) coherent whole.
Despite being plastered all over nursery walls and children’s’ books, this story can be deeply disturbing to modern readers. It has been seen as a story about a capricious god who wipes out all of humanity in angry judgement. For ancient readers; however, it provided a story of refuge and redemption amidst the chaotic floods that they found around them. Can we perhaps find a place of sanctuary in this Ark as well? Come abord, and let’s see.
Questions to Consider
– What do you think the story of Noah’s Ark is about?
– Has your interpretation or understanding of this story changed over the years?
– What are the chaotic and cosmic forces you are concerned about?
