The sight of a rainbow can trigger many thoughts. Spotting one might conjure up fairy tales of leprechauns and pots teeming with gold.
In real life, however, rainbows do point to important things. For instance, mariners have long known that rainbows can be used to predict the weather. Generally speaking, weather moves from west to east, thus the old saying, “Rainbow in the morning, sailors take warning; rainbow at night, a sailor’s delight.”
Though a rainbow is typically as trustworthy as a local meteorologist’s forecast, predicting weather was not its original purpose. The rainbow was (and still is) a sign of God’s promise that He would never again use floodwaters to destroy all life on the earth (Genesis 9:12-17). And even though violent storms and heavy rains—even severe localized flooding—still occur, nothing like Noah experienced will take place now or in the future.
God said that when He would see a rainbow, He would remember His promise: “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” (Genesis 9:14-15).
Really? Could God actually forget His promise? No way! Our Creator is all-knowing. But, by way of example, He might have been teaching Noah (and the rest of His image-bearers) about the importance of remembering.
The Bible is filled with stories that teach us certain things our Creator doesn’t want us ever to forget. So the next time you spot a rainbow, think of Noah, and then ask God if there’s something else He wants you to remember about Him and what He’s done.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 14:1-20
More:
Read Matthew 16:1-3 and see how Jesus used the weather to make a point.
Next:
What are some “rainbows” in your life that God might use to spark your memory? Why is it so vital that we remember what He has done in the past?
Gary Shultz on March 11, 2014 at 7:03 am
You are certainly correct. This may not be very spiritual, but I still am taken by the richness and beauty of the colors, stunning.
Jeff Olson on March 11, 2014 at 9:19 am
Gary, I believe that taking in the the beauty of a rainbow can be a profound spiritual experience if it ultimately points us back to the One who created the rainbow.
russell fralick on March 11, 2014 at 7:07 am
It is wonderful that God never forgets His promises, but it is amazing that, in Isaiah 43:25 He says that “…and I will not remember your sins”. He doesn’t forget our sins, He chooses not to remember them. His own deliberate choice never to bring back to mind our sins is a great source of comfort to me. I must never forget how good He is, and He chooses never to remember how sinful I am! Amazing grace, if we will simply come to Him!
Jeff Olson on March 11, 2014 at 9:24 am
Russell, every time I see a rainbow it reminds me that our God who made heaven and earth has remained and will remain faithful to all he said he would do.
Tom Felten on March 11, 2014 at 9:09 am
Jeff, the natural world—with all of its incredible complexity and beauty—points us to our awesome Creator. In my part of the world, we’re just beginning to move from winter with its bitter temperatures and deep snow to spring with its green and growing ways. During this season, I’m always reminded of the new life Jesus established for us through His death and resurrection. Praise Him!
Jeff Olson on March 11, 2014 at 9:26 am
Amen Tom…spring is just around the corner!!!
Wayne on March 11, 2014 at 9:54 am
God said he’d never leave us nor forsake us, he’s always with us, all the time ! Hallelujah !
I have to continually acknowledge he’ s their.