Sign of the Covenant

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. (Genesis 9:12-13, NIV)

I have a story to tell.

On my way home from work it started raining. You know what happens when it rains? Rainbows! I spot one and I keep on rolling. As I'm driving I realize this optical illusion made of light and water is following along directly to my left. My ego pops off and says "I'm the treasure at the end of the rainbow." and then I realize "This is God speaking to you again. You're HIS treasure at the rainbow." As I'm driving, trying to steal glances at this gorgeous rainbow—at one point a DOUBLE rainbow—I happen to be a responsible driver and scan my rearview mirror. There's the reflection of the other end of the rainbow...

Through all of this "Never Gonna Give You Up" is playing on the radio. I begin to listen to the lyrics. "Never gonna let you down. Never going to run around and desert you. Never gonna say goodbye. Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you." Those were all the things I was told in Sunday school that God tells us. Much like how a rainbow is supposed to be a reminder of his promise to, you know, not flood the whole world!

I felt like God was trying to reaffirm his promises with all of us to never give us up, or let us down. I know sometimes it feels like he has deserted us. We've all hit rock bottom and wondered "Why?" And wondered what could POSSIBLY be the divine plan in our suffering. I can't answer that for you. I just know God is working all things for your betterment. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Strangers and friends, I pray you find comfort in tonight's sky.

Oh. By the way. This isn't a picture of a rainbow, because I was driving. This is a panorama of when I finally pulled over and took in the gorgeous view. The rainbow had disappeared, but God was making new fireworks dance.

Prayer: Gracious God, let us continually be aware of the ways you speak to us through the beauty of your creation. We give you thanks for your promises of good things for us and for your forgiveness of our thoughtlessness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.