Written by V. Gonzales April 12, 2020
Throughout history the rainbow has been looked upon by mankind as a symbol of hope. Some Native American Cultures see the rainbow as a bridge, often referred to as “Rainbow Bridge” whereby we pass from this life to the next. There are religions that believe that the rainbow symbolizes the elements of the earth: water, earth, fire, and air. Many use the rainbow as a sign of diversity. Man, throughout history, has adapted God’s creation to fit their belief system and this is no exception. There are many more examples not listed in this writing. The common thread, however, is that the rainbow is a symbol of hope to all mankind.
In Christianity, the rainbow is covenant promise from God the Father. It is His sacred pledge to us, His creation, that He will never destroy the earth with water again. The account of the flood, in the Bible, was a traumatic event. It was like no other time in history: sound familiar? Noah was charged to build an Ark with specific and detailed instructions. Up until that time in history, there had never been rain and no reason to build a boat much less an Ark of such grand scale. The people of the day must’ve gathered daily to marvel and mock Noah and his sons while they built a monstrosity of a vessel no one had ever seen the likes of before. And yet, Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth were obedient to God’s instructions. How they must’ve doubted and struggled, in their faith, as they pressed on in dutiful service to God the Father. But God, would be cleansing the earth from sin and evil, and needed for them to do their part so that He could do what He had planned and save them. Once the Ark was completed, the rain began. For forty days and nights the flood kept coming to the earth.
Although every living thing perished from the the earth except eight people: Noah, his sons, and their wives along with the precious cargo they carried. God had seen fit to save those who were faithful and surrendered to Him. What great affirmation they received when the waters arose carrying them safely during the storm. They were confined to the Ark for what surely felt like an eternity. With dark ominous clouds, lightening, and thunder claps which they had never experienced before, the crew of family were held together by God’s powerful hand as they trusted Him. How they found strength in the midst of the unknown is difficult to fathom. However, the evidence of his favor and protection during a time of so many variables could have been the thread of hope that kept them going even though they couldn’t see an end in sight.
Once the rains subsided and the clouds disappeared, the rainbow emerged: a sign of hope. God’s promise to His creation: “I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. And God said to Noah, ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.'” (Genesis 9:15-17 NKJV) Amazingly, God’s promise is to all flesh. It is exciting to know that God has made this promise to all of us: believers and unbelievers, creatures great and small and every creepy crawly thing that exists in creation. It stands to reason why so many find hope in the rainbow. That is what God ordained.
We are not experiencing a flood, but we are facing unknown variables and mandates. Our world seems to be changing day-to-day and minute-by-minute. Our natural response is fear, anxiety, and despair. Think of Noah and his family. they were isolated; they didn’t know what to expect; they were not certain that tomorrow would even come. How terrifying to be held in darkness for so long. Their survival of the flood is evidence that we can live in uncertain times trusting that we are fully under the protection of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who knows the beginning and the end. In fact, another account of a rainbow in scripture should bring great comfort. This account is found in Revelation 4. This chapter prophetically signals the beginning of the of terrifying events that will occur in the future. Smack dab in the middle of the scary foretelling of the apocalypse and the great tribulation you will find in Vs. 3 the rainbow: Hope.
We are living in perilous times that is for sure and it is apparent that we are not in control, but do not let your hearts be troubled, God is in full control and He loves you. Make no mistake God is doing something great just as He did in the days of Noah. Rest in His promises and know that He loves you. Read Ephesians 3:14-20, as a prayer, and be comforted.
In closing, “When storms come in your own life, they may not be a calamity on the scale of the flood. But they may bring just as much sorrow and pain. In the midst of the event, your decisions can help save you and your family. Let’s face it, disaster can strike whether you’re a saint or sinner. To survive requires spiritual preparation. When you build your home on the foundation of God’s word, you can find safety despite the down pour outside. You can help those you love to weather the storm. Begin now (it’s not too late) to prepare your house for the storms that are sure to come: spend time in the Bible, strengthen your relationship with God and with a godly community of Bible believers. Bring those you love before God in prayer. When (not if) the tempest strikes you will have shelter.” Author Unknown.
V. Gonzales 