trbccoffeebreak

“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I (God) will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” Genesis 9:16 (NIV)

They did this just for me – wow!  The best seat on the front row was saved just for me.  The song was meant for me.   Prettiest sunrise ever just for me.  We love to personalize everything and make it all about us.  Isn’t that our default.  We fall into making it all about us so easily without even trying hard. Been ever so guilty of the “it’s all about me” syndrome.

Hate to burst our bubble here – but it isn’t all about us.  Found myself unpacking this revelation just the other day.

Sunday school flannelgraph was my fave and my teacher could really tell a great story.  The visuals on that board captivated my attention and left a permanent image in my mind. Noah, his family and all those animals doing life in the ark rocking back and forth. God opening wide the door and then painting the most gorgeous rainbow in the sky.

Noah’s pre-flood world was wicked, corrupt and full of violence.  Because he walked faithfully with his God, Noah and his family were spared (Genesis 6:9) from the devastating floodwaters.  Can’t imagine what it must have been like to hear the screams and the rushing waters outside the ark.  To realize you, your family and all these animals are all that is left. Divine favor, heartfelt gratitude and reverential awe would definitely flow from my lips.

Can’t even tell you how many rainbows I’ve seen after the storm.  Each one uniquely different and radiant.  Have to admit I thought this string of pastels painting the sky was all meant for me.  A reminder of God’s promise to me that He would never again destroy the whole world by flood . A sign of God’s unconditional covenant promise (Noahic covenant) to me.

But it’s not all about me or you – it was for God too!

Our Creator sealed His covenant (divine charter) with a beauty only He could design – a dazzling bow arched across the sky.  Genesis 9 details God’s conversation with Noah emphasizing His promise and commitment to Noah and his descendants.  He, the Faithful One, would see the rainbow and remember His everlasting covenant to us and all living creatures.  And just in case Noah didn’t get it, God repeated his covenant promise numerous times.  Perhaps it was to alleviate any fear Noah may have about the flood that devastated the earth. Maybe it was to reassure him of God’s love and presence. Regardless God knew Noah’s mind and heart so He didn’t leave anything unanswered – He gave Noah exactly what He needed – total assurance.

Love gazing up into the sky, after a storm,  and being reminded that God is remembering His covenant with us.  Love knowing His reassurance and promises are everlasting.  We have exactly what we need.

“Father, Your word is faithful, true,  and trustworthy.  Your promises and covenants with Your people are everlasting.  We have no reason to doubt.”

For  His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life