The rainbow symbolises hope for all

Church bulletin:

Perhaps one of the most significant hijacking events took place in San Francisco, June 25 1978 at the front of the United Nations building. No weapons were used, no one was threatened, no one was taken hostage, no property was seized. On this day a multi-coloured flag was raised. From that moment the symbol of the rainbow began to represent the gay pride movement. The rainbow was always intended to be a symbol, but it had been subjugated by people who rejected its author and His purposes.      

Scientifically, rainbows are the result of sunlight hitting the surface of rain drops in the atmosphere. The light refracts (changes direction) and separates into seven colours within the droplets – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple. The light reflects off the back of the droplet, changes direction again and travels back out. The light which we see is the colour separation of refraction and reflection in the drops of rain. Because there is a scientific explanation behind the rainbow, it does not mean we should dismiss or forget the Biblical explanation. God is the master creator who established natural law for His own purposes.

Theologically, rainbows are the sign of God’s covenant with Noah. Gen 9:13-15, I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.”       

There is more to a rainbow than just light separation. Every rainbow is a sermon in the sky; a sermon which speaks of God’s skill as the creator, and most importantly His mercy to mankind. Though we deserve judgement, He is patient and offers hope to all. God will not destroy the world again by flood. On the contrary, whatever sins we commit He is willing to forgive through His Son Jesus Christ. This symbol does not belong to any particular group with political or social agendas; it is God’s symbol pointing to the Gospel.   

When so many are using the rainbow to speak of pride, let us use it to speak of God’s Son humbling Himself in death that we might have eternal life.  

 

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