I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. (Gen 9:13)
What started out as a simple comment on a friend's Facebook status, set forth events that rocked my world yesterday. It all began with a rainbow.
We all know the scientific definition of a rainbow: an arch of colors formed in the sky in certain circumstances, caused by the refraction and dispersion of the sun's light by rain or other water droplets in the atmosphere. We learned that in fourth grade. We also know that the rainbow is a reminder of God's covenant (promise) that He will never again destroy the earth by flood. When I see a rainbow - I do not think of the scientific explanation - I think to the greater reason - the purpose for it's being - a promise from God!
Throughout the afternoon, there were comments being posted by myself, an young lady and two gentlemen who apparently do not believe in God nor do they have the faith that the young lady and I have. It was becoming increasing difficult to field their comments, as they were starting to stray from the original topic to the starving children in Africa (which, by the way, I've been hearing about since I was a child myself - usually at the breakfast table when I would cut the crust from my toast), "big bang theory" and "a god" as opposed to "THE God". Praying for them all the while, my final retort was one that I use quite often..."Satan has been very busy today..." and I left it at that.
We serve a merciful God. He opens doors that no man can close, and closes doors no man can open. He enlightens us to what we need to learn, what it is we need to do for Him. No, He doesn't need our help - He wants our devotion. He wants us to read His word, answer His call to us and serve in ways no godless individual can. The sun (as the young lady pointed out) does not "rise" - it is stationary and the earth orbits around it - but it reappears every morning because of God. He put it there. He holds it all together, keeps it in place, for our benefit.
If you go back to the first rainbow (which I'm guessing was probably the most beautiful of all rainbows), you will remember that it came after the destruction of a people totally engrossed in sinful behavior, absent from service to God and devoid of any true and worthwhile causes other than their own. They had totally discarded God and His commands. They had cast Him out of their lives and lived in the moment. Sound familiar??? Throughout history we can see God's hand. His utter disgust with the people who failed to show Him the reverence He deserved had brought forth His wrath upon the earth. What we know (from His word) is that there is more to come...be a Boy Scout - "be prepared". Share the word with those around you - you don't have to win the argument (if it comes to that) - just plant the seed! Walking away does not mean you've surrendered - it just means you refuse to battle with the enemy. It only leads to frustration and a battle of words - generally in this case, someone ends up saying something they will later regret.
The bottom line to this entire conversation is another truth I throw out often...we know how the story ends - the victory belongs to Jesus, to God and to those who follow Him. Satan will be defeated! That's a guarantee from the King of Kings! Let them have their refracted light, I prefer my promise...God's promise!
Pray for those who cannot see their way out of the science book and into the Bible. Pray for those who find it necessary to challenge the power of God and faithfulness of His people. Pray for those who do not know Him, that they will find Him before it is too late! Pray for people like my friend, who chooses to continue to be an example of God's love in the lives of those around him. He is one who truly walks the path of Christ! He does not choose to bury his head in the sand and ignore the rantings of those who do not believe. He continues to maintain the spirit of Jesus, teaching and sharing the word of God to those who do not believe.
God has the entire situation well in hand. The spiritual gifts He's given each of us help us to be better Christians - doing the work He designed for us. Some of us preach, some of us run interference, some of us write - but all of us should be praying for all the workers of the Kingdom of God! The pot of gold that the Irish talk about at the end of the rainbow does exist...not where the bow meets the ground, but rather where the promise of God is fulfilled in each and every one of us - through the faith that we have in the grace that we receive from He who created us!
(photo: My "double" rainbow - taken in June 2009 - in Jersey)
