The Rainbow’s Promise

Have you ever caught yourself reading the Bible just so you can check it off your to-do list?

I have to admit it sometimes happens to me. Lately, I have been asking the Lord to stop me as I read so he can speak to me.

And he is doing just that. For example, as I read the story of Noah building the ark in Genesis, his message came clearly. There it was in Genesis 6:8: "...and Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." Even though God saw that the wickedness of man was great (verse 5), God showed grace to Noah. In fact, there it was written in the margin, the word grace.

But God didn’t stop there.

I continued to read about the flood, thinking what it must have been like to know that you would be the only people alive on the earth. That's when God brought another thought to me.

Genesis 8:21-22 states, ”I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil... and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done.” God had shown his grace to Noah and his family, and now he was showing his mercy to all of mankind. An eternal promise sealed with a rainbow for all to see!

Now when I look at rainbows, I am not just reminded of God’s promise to Noah. I am reminded of God’s grace and mercy that he showed back then, and still shows to us today.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that not only is the rainbow a sign of your promise and covenant with Noah, but it is also a wonderful reminder to us of your mercy and grace. Thank you for your provision for us, that we might have relationship with you in spite of our sinful nature. Amen.

Today's Challenge: Have you been reading your Bible just so you can check off that you have read it? This week, slow down and listen. Ask God to stop you as you read and speak to your heart, revealing more about himself to you.