I wonder what you think of when you see a Rainbow?
Those of us of a certain age might well equate ‘Rainbow’ to Zippy, George and Bungle!
To others a rainbow reminds us of the pot of gold at the end of it (although I've yet to find it!).
In recent years the rainbow has been used as the emblem for the LGBTQ community.
In the last month or so we’ve used it as a new symbol of hope for our desire to support and appreciate our hard working NHS staff.
What was the origin of the Rainbow?
“This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.”
God is speaking to Noah after the Flood in Genesis 9.
The earth has just been judged for its rebellion and sin against God. Only Noah and his family have been found righteous and have been saved. As the waters subside and the animals in the ark are freed God makes a promise (also known as a covenant in the Bible) to Noah and all of humanity.
Put simply God says,
“Never again will I flood the earth. The sign of my promise is the rainbow in the sky.”
God’s Promises Never Fail
We have a fairly loose understanding of what a promise is and what it means in our day and age. We often struggle to keep any promises we make for different reasons.
God isn’t like that.
When God makes a promise he is bound to keep it.
God's perfect character means that he cannot go back on a promise or change his mind.
As Christians that should be a real encouragement to us because he makes so many promises to us.
Here are a few:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
As we look at the Bible and see how God keeps his promises we should find comfort that we can rely on Him.
If you’re reading this and you’re not yet a Christian then God’s promises are important for you as well.
Despite your rebellion against God displayed in your heart He makes an unbelievable offer through the Lord Jesus Christ.
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
God promises that those who genuinely turn to Him through Christ will be forgiven.
We call this repentance.
Asking Jesus to forgive us for our sins, turning away from the things that anger God, seeking to live how God wants us to live.
Being Thankful for God's Promises
Therefore be thankful that God keeps his promises.
Be thankful that the Rainbow reminds us of God’s Promises.
Be thankful that in Christ we have the sure promise of forgiveness and a new relationship with God.
Be thankful that God’s promises mean we can look beyond this world with a sure and certain hope.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21:3-4)
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