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Genesis 9:13 – I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. (NIV)
The past summer was unusually rainy here, so I've seen more rainbows than usual. The rainbow is surely one of nature's most stunning splendours. Its spectrum of vibrant colours never fails to capture our wonder. Furthermore, of all the natural elements in the universe, God chose the rainbow to ratify a magnificent promise to all living creatures. The rainbow is God's banner in the sky. Let's look at the oath that God announced to Noah after the great flood:
Genesis 9:9-11 – I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you — the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you — every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. (NIV)
Did you catch the allusion to the creation story? God essentially promised to sustain the life that He created. It would happen through the ongoing cycle of life: birth, death, and procreation of the species, thus the animal pairs: "The animals going in [the ark] were male and female of every living thing." (Genesis 7:16a NIV)
The rainbow is an encouraging sign for our own day, with our own anxieties over life's continued existence. The rainbow reminds us that God is greater than all the forces that squelch the ongoing cycle of life. God is still the sustainer of all creaturely life. The rainbow reminds us that life triumphs over death; divine mercy triumphs over judgment — just as God promised. God is still in control; His mercy alone sustains a world in which the cycle of life can survive.
As long as this temporal created order remains, the rainbow will appear. We see it when light is refracted in water droplets, producing a continuous spectrum of colours — even beyond what the eye can see. These, I say, are the colours of promise.
Because of the rainbow's aesthetic appeal, it appears in all kinds of human creations: art, doodles, toys, political or social symbols, logos, and much more. However, nobody can claim the rainbow as their patent — except God. So, whenever we see the rainbow, whether in the natural world or in human replicas, and whatever their use, we can always worship the Creator of the rainbow — by affirming His promise to created life:
Genesis 9:16 – Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth. (NIV)
Prayer: Creator God, thank You for giving us a visible sign in the sky which connects the natural order with the supernatural order, and which connects Your ancient promise with our future hope. Amen.
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Love this one Diane.
Thanks for writing, Diane.
Diane,
Well done.
What a lovely reminder of God’s gracious provision for us!! Thank you, Diane for sharing these scriptures! Lasting blessings on you!
Thanks Diane for sharing your thoughts with us today. May plentiful rainbows continue to appear in your life as reminders of God’s promises. Blessings.
Diane,
You are right.
God always wins!
(CA)
Good Morning Diane:
What a welcome surprise your Devotional is this morning!
Yes, the rainbow is indeed magnificent, especially when you see it in it’s most beautiful form – a complete circle!
Your thoughts are also TRUE and inspiring. Thank you for sending it!
Blessings to you and yours.
Dear Diane Eaton,
Thank you for a beautiful devotion.
In southern Manitoba, I saw a rainbow only once in this past dry summer. As I set out, driving away from Winkler, straight north toward home, a most beautiful full-arc bow, touching down at both ends, shone in the north-east in the blue blue sky, separated from the south-western clouds. It accompanied me as I drove always thinking I would overtake its near foot and pass by it. But when I arrived at home there it was, still as bright and still seeming just as far ahead of me as when I’d set out.
It’s glory still shines in my memory, mingled, as I read your devotional. I praise God for his promises given with the memorable bow of Genesis 9:16.
Keep writing, Diane.
Hello Diane:
I love God’s rainbows.
This is very inspiring Diane. Between the rainbows and the sunsets, I am constantly awed and left breathless at the magnificent beauty our Creator has given to all humanity to enrich our souls.
What a glorious loving God we serve and worship.