My darling wife took this shot of a rainbow yesterday. It was one of those ‘WOW’ moments for us. Most people usually think in 1 of 3 ways the moment they see the stunning beauty of a rainbow in the sky:
The that’s really pretty, thought – the reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in the moisture of the atmosphere will turn this bunch to mush for a few moments. But that’s as far as it goes for them.
The God judged the earth with the flood once and He will do it again someday, thought – these people remember that God wiped out mankind through a flood thousands of years ago. The Bible says that God saw how wicked and evil people of that time were and decided to finish them up with a huge deluge. The story is found in Genesis chapter 6.
The that’s a beautiful picture of God’s grace, thought – these folk remember that the Lord rescued Noah, his wife, their 3 boys, their wives, and a bunch of animals from imminent destruction coming on earth.
The people that were alive in those early days were so bad that The Maker wanted to wipe the slate clean. As you read that chapter in Genesis, you get a crescendo of emotion and feeling that the righteousness of God is on an unavoidable collision course with the sinfulness of man. “Oh…it’s gonna go down” you say to yourself, but then, all of a sudden, you read one of the most powerful verses in all of the Bible,
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:8 NASB
Another word for ‘grace’ is ‘favor’ and ‘favor’ is an act of kindness, a benefit. Favor is like someone giving you and me much needed support. That’s what the Lord did for Noah and his family.
What if I told you that’s what God wants for you as well? He is crazy about you and me. The Lord loves us with all of His heart. That’s why He sent His Son Jesus into the world, to save us by paying the penalty of sin on our behalf. Next time the roar of rain is coming down, think of His grace and mercy.
As water fell from the heavens thousands of years ago, it spelled ‘doom’ to many but ‘LIFE’ to Noah and his clan. By the way, others could have joined Noah in that ancient cargo ship but they chose not to believe the warnings Noah had posted for 120 years.
Today, God offers everyone His never ending favor as well… and it’s good, real good to receive it!
Every week, the music minister of the church we attended in Kenner, Louisiana many years ago would lead the congregation in the following song,
“It’s beginning to rai-ai-ain-hear the the voice of the Father…
Saying whosoever will, come and drink of this water,
I have promised to pour My Spirit out, on your sons and your
daughters, if you’re thisty and dry, look up to the sky, it’s beginning
to rain!” (Gloria Gaither)
That song reminded us of wanting, anticipating, and getting the refreshing generosity of God in our lives. It’s the kind of thing that never gets old.
You may be asking yourself, “What is the point of all this?” The point is that just like God showed grace to Noah, He’s still wanting to give people His kindness and love today.
Jesus said He had come to give His followers abundant life now and forever. God used David to promise that though weeping may last through the night sometimes, joy will come to you in the morning. The prophet Isaiah reminds you that God gives you power when you feel weak and tired, that He is your second wind when you trust Him, and that you will experience the kind of spiritual soaring that’ll keep you from fainting in the midst of your struggles.
Yes, you can gaze at the beauty of a rainbow and then put it out of your mind until you see the next one. Or, you can vindictively (and with steam oozing out of your ears) focus on the judgment that once happened and will happen again someday. Or, you can be mindful that God wants to pour His goodness on you and on all who willingly accept Him. Go ahead…make your choice… but I’d rather live celebrating His kindness and anticipating the good things the Lord has coming my way! Happy rainbow-ing!
Thanks for reading. Please leave me a message if you’d like.
That was just the inspiring message I needed to hear.! I was meditating during the storm yesterday and it was very good. Then I read this today.😊
Thank you so much. There were some typos when I used bullets at the beginning but I just fixed them. I’m glad the blog inspired you.
It’s always exciting and fulfilling to read the thoughts you share with us, Jorge! Sandy saw a double rainbow the other day and she said a great big smile broke out across her face as she realized that God put that in the sky for her to see.
Whenever I see a rainbow, I am also reminded of God’s great promise to Noah (and us). After the flood waters receded, God said He would never again destroy all life with a flood.
A promise from the Creator to His creation. How awesome is that?! A promise from God is like money in the bank. Safe, secure, trustworthy!
God’s love is amazing!
God’s grace and favor are beyond our comprehension!
I agree 100%, Jim!! I think that double rainbow may have been the one Doreen and I saw.