THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 9:1-11:26
“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.” (Genesis 9:16)
Every time I see a rainbow, I remember God’s covenant of grace.
The flood story is a story of judgment against the many, and mercy for the few.
But it is not a good news story, for it does not solve the problem of sin.
From Noah’s sons, to the noise of Babel, sin and corruption continues unchecked.
These chapters describe the expansion of the nations, and of sin and misery.
But after the judgment rain comes the grace rainbow.
“Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood.” (Genesis 8:20)
Though the details of this covenant are not explained, here we see a hint of God’s plan in Jesus.
In God’s new covenant, judgment is applied to the one, so that mercy may be given to the many.
“For if the many died by the trespass of the one man,how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!” (Romans 5:15)
Jesus builds an ‘ark’ for us (a way of escape), He dies in the flood of judgment… and overcomes!
The rainbow is not just a symbol of diversity, it is a symbol of grace, mercy, love.
Despite the multiplication of evil, the spread of our corruption, our failure to love God.
Though people use the rainbow for a variety of different reasons, it reminds me of God’s grace.
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve.” (Psalm 103:10)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the rainbow, for what it really means. May I always see it first as a symbol of grace, for me and for all people!