Promises made, promises kept, originated from the Bible. Rainbows in my community tonight
Rainbows have come to mean many things in various societies, cultures, and religions, but to find the true reason for and meaning behind the rainbow, we can look to the Bible.
The narrative found in Genesis 6-9 tells of Noah and his family, who built the ark because they had found favor in God’s eyes for their righteousness. In this account, God was holding humankind accountable for the evil ways and the wickedness that had consumed them all – except for Noah and his family.
God chose Noah and his family to carry out the plans of building the ark to save not only themselves, but all the animals on earth. At the end of this powerful account, God made a covenant with all humankind. God made a vow that he would never again wipe out all life and destroy the earth with a flood.
The rainbow serves as the symbol of his loving covenant to all generations.
“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” (Genesis 9:13-15).
We also find a few more uses of the word rainbow being used in the Bible. The common element of all three uses of the term rainbow found elsewhere in Scripture is that it used to describe the coloring and imagery of heavenly visions. Truly, rainbows are quite spectacular and reflect the majesty of the Creator.
“Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking” (Ezekiel 1:28).
“And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne” (Revelation 4:3).
“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars” (Revelation 10:1).
What Happened before the Rainbow Appeared?
During the time of Noah and his family, the Bible describes the earth as very corrupt and wicked. Humanity is portrayed as violent and evil. We can only imagine how awful things were for God to bring a flood to destroy the epidemic of wickedness. However, God noticed the faithfulness of Noah and his family and spared them. When the rain began and the flood waters rose for forty days and forty nights, every living thing perished except those who were on the ark. According to Scripture, the flood waters covered the earth for 150 days.
When it was safe, Noah, his family, and the animals left the ark because the flood waters had receded. Noah then built an altar to the Lord out of obedience, sacrifice, and worship to the God who saved him. God saw Noah’s act of trust and blessed him and his family for their faithfulness. God instructed Noah, his family, and all living creatures to increase and multiply and fill the earth.
When we see rainbows today, we know that every rainbow is still a sign of the covenant made thousands and thousands of years ago between God and all generations of humanity. We can trust that God will remain faithful to his promise and that never again will another flood wipe out all life on earth. God made a powerful covenant rooted in grace, love, and forgiveness. God made a covenant that he still honors today. The rainbow reminds us that we can trust God’s faithfulness no matter what we are going through.
Where Else Does God Make Beautiful Promises in the Bible?
We find promises from God all throughout the Bible; in the Psalms, the Gospels, the Pauline letters, the Prophets, and in various books in both the Old and New Testaments. Here is a small selection of promises we can hold onto and pray as believers.
2 Chronicles 7:14 - “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Jeremiah 29:12 - “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Isaiah 40:29 - “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Psalm 23:4 - “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 37:4 - “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
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