Description
Genesis 8:20-22; 9:12-17 contains two parts of the Ancient Creation story or myth that is present in hundreds of cultures and religious stories around the globe. Very similar stories appear in literature that is much older that our religious forebears from the middle east told and then later recorded their version of the stories of creation and the purpose for what we call ‘a rainbow’ was given an explanation relating people, the way they live and the desire for the Divine for them to live in harmony with each other and creation.
Some people within the Christian family still hold to this story in a literal way, so knowing your community and how they hold these stories is important before you do too much deep scholarly work with them. There may also be some within your community (especially younger children) who will find the idea of God requiring the death of animals deeply troubling. The importance of saying something like: ‘these were the normal practices in the times when these stories were told. We have new practices that God finds equally pleasing such as giving of our energies, our skills, our time and our money.’
Highlighting the central place of water that links so many of our ancient and present religious stories and practices together is a good place to ground this session.
Psalm 104:27-33 is a short excerpt from a much longer song or Psalm which totals 35 verses or lines. If you are linking the Psalm to the theme of Rivers in this Season of Creation material it may be useful to consider some of the earlier verses which feature the place of waters and oceans much more than these 6 verses do.
We know that the gravitational work of our moon and earth are what affects our tides and seasonal changes in other ways. You can point out that even people from thousands of years ago were aware of this as verse 19 highlights. This reading could also provide an opportunity for you to invite someone with professional skills in climate science or ecological training to reflect with your group on an echoes they see in your part of creation today
Revelation 22:1-5 also needs to be handled carefully depending on the approach members in your group have taken with this book. The linkage in using this again is the ‘river of the water of life.’ Throughout the scriptures from Old Testament through the Apocrypha and into the New Testament water ways, rivers and oceans are a central feature.  When ancient peoples of our faith traditions encountered water in all its forms they knew both challenges and blessings. Challenges when they faced what seem like insurmountable water challenges to cross or travel over in water craft. Blessings when rains fell and water storages were replenished. Blessings when waters for cleansing were use to prepare them to encounter the Divine. Blessings when they were Baptised and let everyone know they were followers of the way of Jesus. This really is a highly symbolic and poetic work which reflects on the Jewish practice of washing, the twelve tribes and the practice of animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sin and healing.
Matthew 28:1-10 marks a brand new day in those who are entrusted with sharing the message of Jesus. The women are the ones whom the angels first entrust with the news of resurrection. The women tell the men, who then go and check out whether their message can be believed. Jesus then points them to meet together beside the body of water where many of them first responded to his call to follow – the sea of Galilee. Wondering with people who first shared faith with them is a good first step.
