#16: The Rainbow

Genesis 9:12-17

And God said, “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. 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.”

So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”

Comments

A covenant is usually a contract or agreement between two parties in which promises and commitments are made by each. A modern example would be a marriage covenant.

What is unusual about God’s covenant in this instance is that it was totally one-sided. It was initiated by God alone, asked for nothing in return, and covered not only all humanity, but all life on earth.

The rainbow was given as the sign of the covenant. Its purpose was to be a reminder to God of the universal covenant God had made. For humanity, the rainbow is simply a beautiful reminder that God remembers.

Reflections

God has promised never to destroy life on earth and yet, in this instance, has asked nothing of us in return. Do you respond to this with love, faithfulness and gratitude or do you see within God’s covenant a license to live as you choose?

Understanding the science of what causes a rainbow to appear does not explain the affect its appearance has on us. Do you marvel at the beauty of a rainbow and feel a sense of peace and hope whenever you see one?

Prayer

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who gives us the beauty of the rainbow as a sign of peace and hope.