Rainbows

-a reflection by Graham

After reading Maureen Frayle’s lovely poem “Rainbows”, I began to reflect upon this natural phenomena.

Like you, I have seen many rainbows, perhaps the most beautiful being over the Victoria Falls in Zambia, which, incidentally, I was able to photograph.

The word “rainbow” only occurs twice in the Bible, both references being in the book of Revelation. However, Genesis chapter 9 describes its introduction into nature. The flood, which destroyed the world was over, and Noah and his family survived the awesome destruction through God’s provision of the ark. When safe on dry ground, Noah offered sacrifices to the Lord which pleased him. Realising that man would continue to sin, God vowed that He would not smite or curse the ground again because of this sin. He blessed Noah and his sons, and then made a covenant not only with Noah but with every living creature that He would not destroy the earth again with a flood. As a token of that covenant, God made a promise that He would set His bow in the cloud, promising that every time He brings a cloud over the earth, His bow will be seen.

Note - His bow, this makes it very special. Not just a natural phenomena, but something special belonging to God. In these days of spiritual declension, I wonder how many are aware of the purpose of the rainbow. It was never God’s intention to pass judgement upon man or upon his earth, but God cannot tolerate sin, and the consequence of this is always judgement. However, as with the flood, in all cases of judgement, God always gives a way of escape. This is true of the final judgement which is about to fall upon man. In the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, God has provide a way of escape.

But in terms of Hebrews 2:3 “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.” Please remember the challenge of this verse whenever you see a rainbow.

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