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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

The Promise of the Rainbow

July 26, 2010

Gen 9:16-17
“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.” (NIV)

A rainbow is one of those beautiful creations of God. There are many things God has created with color and light. Sunsets or a beautiful gem stone are just a couple of examples. But this “bow” in the sky was created with a special meaning.

In Genesis, we learn that God asked Noah to build an ark, which is a very, very large boat. God had Noah put two of many kinds of animals, large and small, on the ark with his family. Then God sent rain. It rained and rained for over a month, and so a great flood of water covered the whole earth. Noah, his family and the animals were safe in the ark. After the flood was over, the animals and people got off the ark, back on solid ground. At that time, God told Noah that He was making a covenant, or an agreement, with every living creature on earth. He said He would never make water flood the whole earth again. Just think, God made an agreement with every living creature on earth!

Just as amazing was that God also said that He would remember it every time He put a rainbow in the sky. God wanted Noah to think of what God had said every time he saw a rainbow, too.

The story of Noah tells us how God rescued Noah’s family and the animals from that terrible flood of water. It also reminds us that God rescues us through Jesus. He sent Jesus to die for our sins and to rise again showing His power as the ruler of everything. This new covenant in Jesus is shown to us in baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which he instituted for us. We can remember our baptism every day and be reminded of this new covenant.

Every time we see a rainbow, it should remind us of God’s grace in rescuing Noah, his family and the animals. Whenever we think of our baptism, we should remember God’s grace in rescuing each of us from sin.

Dear God, thank You for making rainbows so beautiful to look at. Thank You for rescuing us from sin. We will remember Your grace when we see a rainbow. Amen.

Lois Diebel, Ministry Consultant – FL & GA
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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