March 2, 2018 - - Genesis 9:16-17 The Rainbow's Warning

"When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."

Genesis 9:16-17 ESV

It is called the rainbow covenant. The LORD vowed He would not send a flood to cover the whole earth as He did in the days of Noah. If you look at a rainbow, the arch of the bow is pointed to heaven, as if God would let an arrow fly against Himself rather than flood the whole earth once again.

The flood was sent as judgement against the wickedness of humanity. It is beyond ironic that the sexually immoral of our age use the rainbow colours as the rallying flag for their sinful cause. The LORD will one day judge the heavens and the earth and all peoples. When Jesus returns all the wicked, the immoral, greedy, idolaters, any who willfully break God's commandments will be thrown into hell, the lake of fire, where they shall be punished for eternity and never die.

Just as God sent Noah and gave instructions for the life-saving Ark, so God has sent His Son, and now the life-saving Ark is the Church, the Bride of Jesus Christ. Those who are aware of their sins can cry out to Jesus. The Father will cleanse the guilty sinner of his sins. The Father and the Son will send the Spirit to guide the believer in the paths of life and what is good.

The rainbow is God's covenant sign. The whole earth was judged by the flood waters. One day, the whole earth will be judged before King Jesus. Do not use the rainbow colours mockingly for the celebration of immorality prohibited in the Word of God. Understand that the rainbow colours point forward to the judgement that will soon be here. God has provided the way of refuge in Jesus. Turn from evil ways and walk submitted to God.

Believers, do not knowingly, smugly nod, as your heart consigns the sexually immoral to eternal hell. Instead, pray! All of us, every single one of us, is in need of the mercy of Jesus Christ. All of us were thieves, idolaters, sexually wicked and greedy--and Jesus gave to us His righteousness at the cross when He endured the punishment of God for our sins. We have no right to boast or brag in ourselves or our goodness. Christ is our Shield! He is the source of our being judged good, He is our very great Reward.

Thank You, Father in heaven for rescuing me for the sake of Jesus. Thank You, Father in heaven, that while I was still a sinner, You sent Your Son as the perfect sacrifice for my sins and the sins of the world. Jesus, You are my boast and my song, You are my salvation and my hope. Spirit of the Living God, humbled by the fact that unless You had cut down my stubborn pride and wilful sinfulness I'd still be as guilty as any under the mocking rainbow flag, therefore move me to pray urgently and repeatedly for those lost in sexual sin. Spirit of God, bring honour and renown to the work of Jesus Christ by rescuing many lost and ruined sinners. Father in heaven, You are the giver of every good gift. You are the One Who offers the way out of the prison of sin--be glorified by bringing many lost sons and daughters to the glory of knowing and following You! Amen.