A Week of Rainbows

This week has been a week of rainbows.  Because of the weather patterns we have had—rainfall quickly followed by a break in the clouds and a burst of sunshine—we have seen more rainbows this week than at any other time that I can remember. 

It began last Sunday, as we were driving up the Harlem River Drive with some friends in the car. A huge rainbow stretched across the sky to the east.  It seemed to be dipping down somewhere into the middle of the Bronx.  In fact, I said to my friend, “Look at that! Now we know what’s on the other side of the rainbow: it’s the Bronx!” (Ha! Ha!) A few evenings later, my wife Kim called me with great excitement that in the sky there was a double rainbow.  And, over the next few days pictures were going up on Facebook of rainbows from people who had snapped shots from all around the NYC metro area – e.g. Long Island, Queens, New Jersey. 

Aside from the obvious beauty of a rainbow, what amazes me is how excited people (including myself) still get about seeing a rainbow.  No matter how many times we may have seen a rainbow within our lifetime—or even within a week’s time, for that matter—every time we see one it’s as if it were the first time.  That’s the level of awe and excitement with which we respond to the sight of a rainbow. 

The Bible tells us in the book of Genesis that God designed the rainbow to capture our attention. It’s purpose is to remind us of God’s promise that the whole world would never again be destroyed by a flood, as it was in the days of Noah.  The rainbow is God’s signature on his covenant.  It is his way of reminding us that he will keep his promise. 

Most of all, the rainbow reminds us that God will be faithful to every promise he has ever made. Whether, for example, it is the promise of forgiveness and salvation for those who turn to him or his promise to always be with his children or his promise that one day Jesus will return and set up his kingdom, God will never back out on his promises. His promises are true and God will fulfill every one of them. 

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 – NIV) 

Let’s give thanks to God today for his promises and his faithfulness to keep every one of them.  And, maybe today we’ll catch a glimpse of another rainbow! 

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris