Genesis 9:8-17 The Promise of the Rainbow

Most people enjoy seeing the rainbow after a spring shower. Its impressive array of colors arching across the sky fascinates young and old alike.

The universal appeal of the rainbow has caused various groups to use the rainbow as part of their marketing efforts. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition, founded in 1985, is perhaps the most notable example.

In 1978, Gilbert Baker designed and made a rainbow flag as a symbol of gay and lesbian community pride. Today, the flag appears at gay and lesbian pride marches and events worldwide.

Because of the rainbow’s association with these groups, many people may tend to think of civil rights or homosexual issues whenever the symbol of the rainbow appears. However, the Bible tells of a very special truth associated with the rainbow.

After the flood, God promised that He would never bring another flood to destroy all living things (Gen 9:11). As a reminder of that promise, He created the rainbow and fixed it in the sky:

“And God said, ‘This is the guarantee of the covenant I am making with you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all subsequent generations: I will place my rainbow in the clouds, and it will become a guarantee of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, then I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures of all kinds. Never again will the waters become a flood and destroy all living things” (9:12-15).

Could it be that part of the rainbow’s universal appeal comes from the fact that it is a sign to us of God’s great covenant? Is there something at the core of all people that resonates with the rainbow? Has God made us to respond in that way?

The Bible does not tell us the answer to those questions. It merely tells us that the rainbow is a reminder of God’s merciful promise.

However, the rainbow should cause us to look forward too. The Bible speaks of a coming judgment upon the world. The Tribulation will be a period of intense wrath. Following that judgment, there will be a time of peace and restoration just as there was in Noah's day after the flood. The earth will again be a tranquil place.

Believers look forward to that time, knowing that today’s difficulties are only temporary. We can endure the trials of life because we know that God is bringing history to this grand time in which the Lord Himself will reign on the earth.

Unbelievers should consider the future too. Knowing that a time of judgment is coming, unbelievers need a Savior. Anyone who trusts in Him today will not face the coming judgment.

The next time you see a rainbow, remember God who has promised to refrain from destroying all living things by bringing a flood. In addition, look forward to that time when the earth will be restored and Christ reigns in righteousness.