READ: Genesis 9 (Focus vs. 12-16)
MEMORY VERSE
“Whenever the rainbow appears . . . I will . . . remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures.” Genesis 9:16
BACKGROUND
Owen was on holiday abroad when he received a disturbing message from a colleague: “The boss is looking to replace you.” Deeply upset, he prayed one morning at dawn and asked God, “Where are You?”
Then he went to the window to open the curtains—and spotted a huge, beautiful rainbow suspended above the lake outside. Immediately a comforting warmth gushed over him. “It was as if God was simply telling me, ‘It’s okay; I’m here,’ ” he recounted later.
In Genesis 9, God promised not to destroy the earth through a flood again. He promised, “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” (v. 16).
This covenant was everlasting and unconditional. It depended totally on God’s protection and provision, not on humanity’s performance. And it was just the first of many promises God would make to His people. Jesus, too, said, “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
God doesn’t promise that we won’t suffer. But He does promise His ever-present comfort and personal presence.
We may not get “rainbow answers,” but we have His assurance that no matter what happens to us in life, He’s always there for us, and we can draw on His strength, comfort, and presence.
Leslie Koh
INSIGHT
The story of the rainbow in Genesis 9 is preceded by the account of humanity’s sin: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (6:5).
Their wickedness had reached such a level that God responded with judgment upon the world. For the conditions on earth to trigger such an expansive act of judgment is telling.
Still, God’s heart for the people remained. Many scholars estimate it would’ve taken about seventy-five years to build the ark—giving people time to respond to the warning of coming judgment.
Following the great flood, God set a rainbow in the clouds—a symbol of biblical hope—as His promise to never destroy the world again by flood. Today, no matter what we face in life, we can be assured of God’s presence and faithfulness.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
In times of trouble and worry, what can you do to remind yourself of God’s presence? Which promises of His give you comfort?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
God’s covenant (with His people is) everlasting and unconditional. It depends totally on God’s protection and provision, not on humanity’s performance.” Adapted
PR’s TAKE
“Anything under God’s control will never be out of control” Anonymous
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
PRAYER
Loving Father, thank You for Your presence, and please help me to remember Your promise to be with me always.
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“STILL” Hillsong
Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God
Find rest, my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are king over the flood
I will be still, know You are God
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm (oh, I will)
Father, You are king over the flood
And I will be still, know You are God
My God, Lord yeah
My God, Lord
Oh, You are my God
My God, my God, yeah
Oh Jesus
Oh Jesus, oh Jesus
Find rest, my soul
In Christ alone, oh yeah
Know His power
In quietness and trust
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God
Oh yes, You are, oh yes, You are
