The Promise of God’s Rainbow

When I learned that the theme of this issue of Saline County Lifestyles is “Colors of Our County,” I was reminded of the promise represented by God’s rainbow. Throughout history, rainbows have held significant symbolism. For instance, the rainbow often represents a bridge from Earth to a brighter place. A notable example is Judy Garland’s song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which speaks of the connection to a place where dreams come true. After a storm, a rainbow often serves as a poignant reminder that beauty can emerge from even the most challenging times. In many cultures, rainbows are seen as a sign of good fortune.

 Three months ago, I had the privilege of participating in the baptism of a young man in the waters of Lake Degray. This friend of mine had just given his heart and life to Christ for salvation. But before he made that most important decision, he had walked through some storms in his life. Therefore, I believe it was no coincidence that when he came up out of the waters after being baptized, there was a rainbow in the sky. 

Do you know the promise God made with a rainbow? 

 Genesis 6:5-7 tells us, “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and He saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So, the Lord was sorry He had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke His heart. And the Lord said, ‘I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them.’” He decided to cleanse the Earth of evil by sending a worldwide flood that wiped out every living creature not aboard the ark. 

But in the aftermath of the flood, God made a promise:

“Then God said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.’” Genesis 9:12-16 NLT

 The promise of God’s rainbow is a beautiful promise of protection, restoration, and hope. It is a symbol of God’s faithfulness in keeping His word. It reminds us of His mercy and patience, not His approval of sin, but a reminder of His power to judge as well as to save. Every time a rainbow appears in the sky, it’s a symbol of hope that a born-again believer in Christ Jesus has the privilege to cling to. 

 Very practically speaking, there is a lesson that comes with every one of God’s rainbows. You can’t have a rainbow without rain. In your life, you will face storms, flood waters, and strong winds (Matthew 7:24-27), but the storm will pass; and when it does, let God’s rainbows remind you of the beauty of God’s plans, His enduring love, and His promises.