Morning Devotional
August 17, 2003
"Rainbows"  
by Don Emmitte

Then God told Noah and his sons, "I am making a covenant with you and your descendants, and with the animals you brought with you--all these birds and livestock and wild animals. I solemnly promise never to send another flood to kill all living creatures and destroy the earth." And God said, "I am giving you a sign as evidence of my eternal covenant with you and all living creatures. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and to all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with everything that lives. Never again will there be a flood that will destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth." Then God said to Noah, "Yes, this is the sign of my covenant with all the creatures of the earth." (Genesis 9:8-17 NLT). 

According to Scripture, rainbows are God's promise to mankind that there will never again be a world-wide flood such as there was in the days of Noah. In his book, "His Name Is Jesus," author, J. Rambsel relays that when a rainbow is seen from above, it is not seen as the familiar arc of color we know it to be, but as a complete circle. How appropriate this is since the shape of the circle conveys the sentiment of infinity or eternity. The same is true with the familiar symbol exchanged in the marriages of our western culture, the wedding band. Many eastern peoples also have their own symbols of promise. The circular design of the wedding band represents, not only a clear marking that one is married, but is a symbol of never-ending love. 

How brilliant and a thing of wonder the rainbow is! According to Sir Isaac Newton who is regarded as one of the greatest geniuses the world has known, like the spectrum whose source is white light, the rainbow also gives off these seven shades of color. Since the Scriptures often refer to God as "Light," perhaps the colors of the rainbow stem from the pure and radiant white light of our Creator! When we consider the many colors of the spectrum from a Scriptural perspective, it appears that even in the simple design of the rainbow, each shade may hold deeper meaning. 

  • Blue portrays heaven and infinity.
  • Red or scarlet depicts blood and redemption.
  • Orange is for the fruit of atonement.
  • Indigo was the color of skins used for the Tabernacle covering.
  • Green stands for new life or resurrection.
  • Yellow or gold depicts perfection and deity.
  • Violet or purple is the color of royalty and kingship.  

The next time you see a rainbow, consider the silent yet profound message this symbol speaks, not just to mankind, but to you, as a individual. The Creator sees you for exactly who you are, and it is important that all people, no matter what their race, creed or color, come to full knowledge of the Divine. God's word is written all around us, and His truth is just waiting for the soul who thirsts for righteousness. Let His awesome light shine upon you!