Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds.  I will remember My covenant with all living creatures:  water will never again become a flood to destroy every creature.  The bow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all the living creatures on earth.”  God said to Noah,  “This is the sign of the covenant that I have confirmed between Me and every creature on earth.”  Genesis 9:14-17  HCSB

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a rainbow as being an arc or circle that exhibits in concentric bands the color of the spectrum and that is formed opposite the sun by the refraction and reflection of  the sun’s rays in raindrops, spray, or mist.  Our scripture passage defines the rainbow or bow, as it is simply called in the bible, as a sign of God’s covenant with every living creature that he will never again destroy the entire earth by flood.  Now those of us in South Louisiana have experienced our fair share of flooding.  Nebraska has been in the news recently due to severe flooding up there.  We should definitely take time to remember them in our prayers.  But not since Noah’s day has a flood covered the entire earth.

We all know the story of Noah and the ark, but we must remember the reason that God sent the flood.  This story begins in chapter 6.  Through Adam and Eve mankind had began to multiply and there was widespread corruption. We are told that the Lord saw that wickedness of man was great and he saw that every intention of his heart was evil.  In verse 6 we are told that God regretted making man.  God decided to wipe the earth clean of man and every creature, but Noah found favor in God’s eyes so God decided to spare Noah and his family.  He then instructed Noah to bring the animals onto the ark as well.

I have lived on the water and I know how quickly the flood waters can rise.  Isaiah 43:2 tells us that when we pass through the waters, God will be with us and they will not overtake us and that when we walk through fire we will not be burned.

I don’t know about you, but when I look up into the sky and see that huge arch of color stretching across the sky, I feel peace.  I know that God is reminding us that even today, He has not forgotten the covenant that He made with all living creatures.  God protects His children.

Psalm 91:1 tells us that if we choose to live in the shelter of the Most High that we will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  We can choose to live under God’s shelter and protection or we can choose to go it on our own.  I know one thing, if I am going to walk through fire or flood, I want God with me.  I want to be held by Him.  Isaiah 41:10 says fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;  I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.

Many people feel as though they have to be shown signs and wonders in order to believe.  Well, read your bible.  The rainbow is a sign.  It is God’s message to us saying that He is remembering the covenant that he made back in Noah’s day.  So, there’s your sign.

God loves you and He wants you to turn to Him.  I can’t imagine the world being more corrupt than it is today.  God’s heart must be broken with the horrible things that are happening today like human trafficking, extortion, rape, murder, the corruption in our political systems and yes every sin that we commit.

The big difference between now and Noah’s day is that God’s son has come to earth to die on the cross to save us from our sins.  All who believe in Him and trust in Him as their Lord and Savior have been saved.  We live under the rainbow.  We live in that protected realm.  We have already died to self and we will live in eternity with God the Father.

Irish folklore says that there is a pot of gold under the rainbow, but my friend, there is something way better.  There is God’s promise.  God’s promise that we are protected and cared for when we choose to live in His shelter.  So, if you haven’t already, won’t you join me today?  Won’t you choose to live life under the rainbow, under God’s promise of protection.  I assure you, it is a wonderful place to be.

Have a great weekend!