Tonight’s family service looked at the story of Noah and had as the theme ‘rainbow of remembrance.’ November is traditionally a month of remembrance: Bonfire Night, when all over the country we remember the Catholic plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament led by Guy Fawkes: ‘remember, remember the fifth of November: gunpowder, treason and plot.’ Next week is Remembrance Sunday, when we remember the end of the 1st World War on 11th November 1918. 1st November is known as All Saints’ Day and is an opportunity for believers to remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, throughout Christian history. In some churches, 2nd November is known as All Souls’ Day when all those who have died as Christians are remembered. Remembering is clearly a November trait!
The story of Noah (Gen 6-9) is well known: how mankind’s sinfulness angered and wounded God and led to His plan to destroy all He had made through a universal flood, sparing Noah and his family because of Noah’s blameless walk with Him. It’s a story of obedience (Gen 6:22, Gen 7:5) and perseverance, of God’s protection and provision, and teaches us about God’s justice, love, mercy and faithfulness. The rainbow is the sign of the covenant God made with Noah and the earth when He promised never to flood the earth again (Gen 8:21-22, Gen 9:13-16).
Jesus reminded us that Noah’s story needs to be remembered (Matt 24:38-39) and that we need also to live in readiness because the Son of Man is coming again! 2 Pet 3:3-7 reminds us that whilst people may scoff at this idea – just as the people scoffed at Noah for building an ark in preparation of the flood – we need to be prepared for His return. Are we living in readiness? Are we remembering the right things?