Our Daily Bread May 28
Rainbow Halo / By: Kirsten Holmberg My rainbow . . . will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
Genesis 9:13
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 9:12–17
12 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: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
17 So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”
On a hike in the mountains, Adrian found himself above some low-lying clouds. With the sun behind him, Adrian looked down and saw not only his shadow but also a brilliant display known as a Brocken spectre. This phenomenon resembles a rainbow halo, encircling the shadow of the person. It occurs when the sunlight reflects back off the clouds below. Adrian described it as a “magical” moment, one that delighted him immensely.
We can imagine how similarly stunning seeing the first rainbow must have been for Noah. More than just a delight to his eyes, the refracted light and resulting colors came with a promise from God. After a devastating flood, God assured Noah, and all the “living creatures” who’ve lived since, that “never again [would] the waters become a flood to destroy all life” (Genesis 9:15).
Our earth still experiences floods and other frightening weather that results in tragic loss, but the rainbow is a promise that God will never judge the earth again with a worldwide flood. This promise of His faithfulness can remind us that though we individually will experience personal losses and physical death on this earth—whether by disease, natural disaster, wrongdoing, or advancing age—God bolsters us with His love and presence throughout the difficulties we face. Sunlight reflecting colors through water is a reminder of His faithfulness to fill the earth with those who bear His image and reflect His glory to others.
Today’s Hymns:
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Suddenly A Rainbow
Scripture to Respond:
2 Timothy 2:13
if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Romans 11:36
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Reflection:
When you are faced with repeated outbreaks of the pandemic and all sorts of natural and man-made disasters, how do the promises of God give you peace of mind?
Do you firmly believe that God will walk with you through all afflictions with His faithfulness and love?
Prayer:
Thank you, God, Heavenly Father, for you not only maintain the various laws of nature in the world but also protect me with your faithfulness and love and provide for everything I need. Please help those around me see your glory.
Wong Wai Tung (Chief executive officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) & Sam Chow (Administrative officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) Reflection and Prayer translated by Jenny Hung
