February 21, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for February 21st: Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, I Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15, Theme: Rainbows Song: Come Thou Font UMH 400 Genesis: There is always something about rainbows that draw us to attention. As we begin the season of lent, this story is more than a story of rainbows in the sky. It is more than a story about God’s eternal love for all of creation. This the story of how we all start out as good people with a relationship with God, but then life happens. We get caught up in our situation, we forget to pray, we forget that God is even there for us. But have you ever noticed that something always happens, God always sends us a sign, and we return to love. The story of Noah and the Ark is a story of reconciliation. Humanity needed a reminder of God’s presence – and then the flood happen. The flood was a time of darkness and struggle. When it was over the rainbow came – the relationship was restored, God made a promise to love us always. Lent is the time for us to get in touch with the promises of God, and for us to realized that God never gives up on us, but in every time period something happens that makes us stray away. Psalms: This psalm is so popular that we will read it three different times this year. This psalm is the story of faith in its entirety. Life is a struggle, we often look for hope, and something happens to help us to realize God’s love. We live in thankfulness for all that God has done for us. This is the story of a faithful person who has decided to follow God. They ask for God’s direction, they ask for God’s love. The psalmist asks that God not remember the sins of his youth. That is a request of us all as we grow. As we become closer to God and as we get to know God, it is easier for us to include God in all that we do. When we live a life of faith, we are happier and more at peace. Questions: What hope to you feel when you see a rainbow? How will you reconcile with God this lent? What gifts have you gotten for living a life of faith? How has God revealed God’s self to you in your life?