Rainbow Promise

My rainbow I do give in the cloud, and it must serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:13 (NWT)

Rainbows are phenomenal sights, pictures of perfection in multicolored arcs. Any who see a rainbow may count themselves blessed. Rainbows confirm the promise God made to Noah thousands of years ago never to flood the earth again. God still keeps His promise today.

I have seen many rainbows. Crossing the ocean with my two young sons on our way to Germany, I saw and filmed a double rainbow from the ship. Another time I witnessed a beautiful rainbow stretching from my orchard to infinity after a sudden summer shower. Every day for a week, I was blessed to see a quarter rainbow in the clouds over Abingdon while driviing my morning bus route. Sometimes it was almost hidden but part of it was still visible in the sky.

Rainbows symbolize God's promise never to destroy the earth again with waer. I often think of times I made promises in haste, meaning to keep them, but later forgetting. God knows that we are imperfect beings, and as such, we lean toward forgetfulness. As our Father, God forgives our human failures, encouraging us to follow His and Jesus' perfect example. Every time I see one of His beautiful rainbows, I am remiinded again of His promise. Once more, I resolve to try to keep all the promises I make.

Father, strengthen Your children to keep their word as You have kept Your promises throughout the ages. Then, when we stand before You, we may see the rainbow that encircles Your throne like a glorious emerald. (Revelation 4:1-3) Amen.

(C) 2013 E. Bonnie Ryan