Pastor Tim uses the story of Noah and the flood, along with an ancient Mesopotamian story of a flood, to talk about suffering, a loving God, and creation. A question commonly asked is, "How could a loving God be responsible for such evil?"  Pastor Tim suggests that, perhaps the flood story is not about divine punishment, but rather is a warning of the natural consequences of humanity's careless behavior. God's covenant with Noah requires us to recommit to our role as caretakers of creation. The sermon text is Genesis 9:8-17; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.