I was raised in a Mennonite home and consequently the Mennonite culture was ‘home’ to me. If someone mentioned 'Faspa' in a conversation no one needed to explain that it was the Sunday evening meal and that it consisted of home made buns, jam, cold cuts and lots of baked goodies. There is so much built in to a culture that needs no explanation to the one who is part of the culture but certain expressions or customs are very foreign to someone who has grown up outside of that culture.
So it is with the Jewish culture of the bible. We miss so much simply because we do not understand it, for much of the explanation we Gentiles need was omitted for obvious reasons since the bible was written primarily by Jews to Jews.
So to fully understand scripture sometimes a little digging into historical records will reveal details that open up our understanding of the words of Jesus.
I learned something the other day that I found very enlightening.
We all know the story of the poor woman with the ‘issue of blood’. We sympathize with her having to suffer those 12 long years during which time the doctors were quite willing to take her money even though they could not give her any medical relief.
Finally, when her money was all spent they were no longer interested in helping her. I can sympathize so much with her devastating debilitation. Not only did it affect her health but it affected her entire social life. She was unclean and by Jewish law given by God forbidden to go out into public.
Her whole story is told in six short verses.
We are not even given this woman’s name but what we know about her is very revealing about who she was.
She was , or had been, a woman of means. We are told that it was HER money that she spent.
I think we can conclude that she was also an independent woman who made her own decisions. She was in control of her finances and seemed to be seeking out the physicians according to her own will. It would follow, considering the fact that she was unclean, that she would not have been married and must have learned to live her life in seclusion.
And yet she seems to have had ways of keeping up with what was happening in her world. She could not ever have seen Jesus before the day that imprinted her story onto the pages of scripture – unless she saw Him from afar which would probably have been too far away to hear what He was saying.
And yet this woman believed something that made her dare to mingle in a crowd that she knew would immediately turn on her if they found out she was ‘unclean’.
Her single minded purpose? To touch the ‘hem’ of Jesus garment.
What gave her that idea? This was fairly early in Jesus ministry. Even His disciples had not yet figured out who Jesus was.
I have often wondered about this woman and the details that are NOT included in Luke 8:43-48.
If one does a little digging… going a little deeper than the surface information given, it gets rather interesting!
Every Jewish man at the time of Jesus would wear what was called a prayer shawl. At the ends of this shawl were 'tassels' which in the original is the word for ‘wings’ - this word is translated ‘hem’ in our bibles.
Why is this significant?
I believe that this woman had a curious, intelligent mind and filled her long days studying the scriptures. The little she learned about Jesus from overhearing conversations enabled her to come to some amazing faith that was far beyond the ordinary people that followed Jesus. She knew something they did not know !
In Malachi there is a promise about the Messiah. The verse is in chapter 4:2..”The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings !”
His ‘wings’ ? This woman, being Jewish, immediately thought of the ‘wings’ on a Jewish man’s prayer shawl. Her limited observation was enough to be convinced that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah and as the Messiah was the Sun of Righteousness that Malachi prophesied would come.
The thought formed in her mind, perhaps slowly or perhaps in the rush of revelation!
If she could but touch the ‘wings’ of Jesus' prayer shawl, she would be healed ! Is that not what Malachi’s prophecy said?
Her faith grew as she lay awake, perhaps night after night.
But the day came when she heard Jesus was going to be in her neighbourhood and a decision needed to be made.
Did she dare? How could she not dare ? This might be her last chance.
Full of quivering courage and determination this woman slipped out of her house that day – I’m sure with her shawl covering her head to avoid being recognized.
She pushed her way through the crowd and then - her moment was there !! Jesus was within her very reach !
Ohh! How her heart must have pounded as she contemplated whether or not she dared !
She decided in a heartbeat ! She MUST !! She had no choice ! If Malachi was true then she would be healed and no longer condemned as unclean. If Malachi was not true then nothing would be lost .. Jesus would never know she had even touched Him.
The moment her hand and her faith brushed ever so gently against the ‘wings’ of Jesus' shawl she felt the rush of sensation surge through her weak body and strength rushed in where sickness had been! She was HEALED !
Ohh… the joy !!!
but wait ! Jesus knew ! She pulled back into the crowd hoping that yet she may remain undetected. But Jesus stopped and would not be deterred. Trembling she came forward and fell at Jesus feet confessing what she had done.
Jesus did not condemn her but rather lifted her up with words of praise and familiarity! “Daughter! Be of good cheer ! Your faith has made you well ! Go in peace!”
Can you imagine the joy that filled that woman’s heart ? To be not only healed physically but restored publically to a ‘normal’ social life? And to have her faith rewarded by Jesus the Messiah ? I know that she never forgot His eyes when He turned to look at her ! At HER, an unclean woman, now healed by His power !!
I think her 12 years of suffering suddenly paled against the miracle of restoration. Would she give up the 12 years? I think not.
As we think about this woman may she be an encouragement to us . Maybe we feel isolated, or condemned by society or someone in our life, maybe circumstances have destroyed our sense of well-being, maybe we feel crushed or helpless where we are …. maybe life has left us in the place of hopelessness…. But remember this woman… and let her example prove to us that nothing is hopeless when we look to God. Trusting Him with the broken , worthless pieces of our life will allow Him to weave them into a miracle. He can take our life and fill it with Himself and His purposes if we but believe that it is possible !
If we but touch the ‘wings’ of His garment we too shall be made whole !
Friday, April 25, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Two Pharaohs
God made Abraham a promise that we find recorded in Gen. 12:3,
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
This promise was not just to Abraham but to all His children. Note the inclusive words "all families of the earth".
I used to sing a song with my Primary SS kids that included the words,
“Father Abraham had many sons..
many sons had Father Abraham..
You are one of them and so am I..
So lets just praise the Lord.”
Gal. 3:7 proves that you and I, as believers, are Abraham’s children and so this promise of blessing and cursing is also God’s promise to us.
“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”
All people who live by faith in God, from all nations (the families of the earth) are included here.
Did you ever stop to consider that as you interact with the people around you .. God is watching and will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you ?
Stop and think … do you as a parent not feel warm toward the people who go out of their way to bless your children ? and does something within you not rise up against those who mistreat your children? If you are so quick to defend your children is it so surprising that God would feel the same toward His?
Was this in Jesus’ mind when from the cross He cried out to His Father.. “Forgive them for they know not what they do”? Did He ask His Father to pull back from cursing those who hated His Son?
It is never God’s pleasure to curse anyone. God is always looking for opportunity to show His character of love, kindness, compassion, patience and mercy.
I love the fact that God always gives us examples to show how His principles work out practically. He never leaves anything hanging as a theory.
One of the first examples we have in scripture of God acting out this promise of blessing and cursing is found in the story of the two Pharaohs.
Two Pharaohs – one who knew Joseph (Abraham’s great grandson) and one who did not, yet both are identified by their relationship to Joseph. (“Now there arose a new king over Egypt who did not know Joseph” Ex.1:8)
Both were judged according to how they treated Joseph or Joseph’s family – one Pharaoh was blessed by God and the other one cursed.
It is interesting that to both men God made Himself known so that the blessing or the curse would be recognized as coming from Him – that both would be the consequence of the Pharaoh’s reaction of choice.
To both God revealed Himself in supernatural ways.
To the first Pharaoh, He gave two prophetic dreams.
For second Pharaoh, dreams would never have been enough, so God gave him ten miraculous signs, miracles in his face.
To both God sent a representative of His people.
To the first - Joseph, to the second Moses.
In both cases God had prepared the way to ensure their credibility. Joseph’s ability as a dream interpreter was proclaimed by the testimony of Pharaoh’s butler. Moses had been raised in Pharaoh’s own house!
So both Pharaohs were aware that they were dealing with God’s people and that God Himself was watching to see what they would do.
The Pharaoh who knew Joseph had a humble heart that reacted quickly and positively to God’s voice in his life. He made Joseph ruler over all his kingdom with full authority in all things, answering to no man other than Pharaoh himself. Always he acted in kindness to Joseph… he gave him his own daughter in marriage. He was eager in his encouragement for Joseph’s family to join him in Egypt and was generous in his gift of land for them to settle on.
As a result of this Pharaoh opening his heart to bless Joseph, he himself was also blessed. He was spared the horror of starvation that would have faced him and his people. Instead, he was blessed with fullness of bread and the opportunity to sell grain to the nations around him.
The other Pharaoh, the one who did not know Joseph, had a very contrary heart to his predecessor. This Pharaoh from the beginning hardened his heart. He refused to listen to Moses and rebelled against the God that sent him. The very first words we have recorded out of Pharaoh’s mouth were “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice ?” (Ex.5:2)
Again and again he refused to bend before God. “And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. “ (Ex. 8:32)
We see God’s patience. Instead of cursing him immediately, God gave him ten chances to change his mind. Ten times he showed Pharaoh His supernatural power through the plagues. Only when there was no hope left, did God curse him - drowning him in the middle of the Red Sea. Only a man blinded by his foolish, prideful heart would race his chariot onto a miraculous path that was obviously provided by the hand of a powerful God intent on saving His people.
Two Pharaohs… two reactions… two consequences – one blessed, one cursed.
What can we learn from this scriptural account? Is it simply a story in the history of Israel or is there a lesson for us, even though thousands of years have passed ?
This is what it teaches me.
As a 'child of Abraham' I feel so protected under the watchful eye of my Father God that I need never fear what man may do to me.
But it also teaches me I have a responsibility. As I go about in the world I am God's representative. Do I present a true picture of who God is to those I meet who do not know Him?
Do the words out of my mouth and my actions and reactions reflect the character of God? Do I move people to desire the blessing of God, or do I move them to harden their hearts?
When I see people who are ungodly or wicked do I wish them the 'curses' of God? Or do I have the heart of Jesus and ask that God give them one more chance to choose Him.
Things to think about, are they not?
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
This promise was not just to Abraham but to all His children. Note the inclusive words "all families of the earth".
I used to sing a song with my Primary SS kids that included the words,
“Father Abraham had many sons..
many sons had Father Abraham..
You are one of them and so am I..
So lets just praise the Lord.”
Gal. 3:7 proves that you and I, as believers, are Abraham’s children and so this promise of blessing and cursing is also God’s promise to us.
“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”
All people who live by faith in God, from all nations (the families of the earth) are included here.
Did you ever stop to consider that as you interact with the people around you .. God is watching and will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you ?
Stop and think … do you as a parent not feel warm toward the people who go out of their way to bless your children ? and does something within you not rise up against those who mistreat your children? If you are so quick to defend your children is it so surprising that God would feel the same toward His?
Was this in Jesus’ mind when from the cross He cried out to His Father.. “Forgive them for they know not what they do”? Did He ask His Father to pull back from cursing those who hated His Son?
It is never God’s pleasure to curse anyone. God is always looking for opportunity to show His character of love, kindness, compassion, patience and mercy.
I love the fact that God always gives us examples to show how His principles work out practically. He never leaves anything hanging as a theory.
One of the first examples we have in scripture of God acting out this promise of blessing and cursing is found in the story of the two Pharaohs.
Two Pharaohs – one who knew Joseph (Abraham’s great grandson) and one who did not, yet both are identified by their relationship to Joseph. (“Now there arose a new king over Egypt who did not know Joseph” Ex.1:8)
Both were judged according to how they treated Joseph or Joseph’s family – one Pharaoh was blessed by God and the other one cursed.
It is interesting that to both men God made Himself known so that the blessing or the curse would be recognized as coming from Him – that both would be the consequence of the Pharaoh’s reaction of choice.
To both God revealed Himself in supernatural ways.
To the first Pharaoh, He gave two prophetic dreams.
For second Pharaoh, dreams would never have been enough, so God gave him ten miraculous signs, miracles in his face.
To both God sent a representative of His people.
To the first - Joseph, to the second Moses.
In both cases God had prepared the way to ensure their credibility. Joseph’s ability as a dream interpreter was proclaimed by the testimony of Pharaoh’s butler. Moses had been raised in Pharaoh’s own house!
So both Pharaohs were aware that they were dealing with God’s people and that God Himself was watching to see what they would do.
The Pharaoh who knew Joseph had a humble heart that reacted quickly and positively to God’s voice in his life. He made Joseph ruler over all his kingdom with full authority in all things, answering to no man other than Pharaoh himself. Always he acted in kindness to Joseph… he gave him his own daughter in marriage. He was eager in his encouragement for Joseph’s family to join him in Egypt and was generous in his gift of land for them to settle on.
As a result of this Pharaoh opening his heart to bless Joseph, he himself was also blessed. He was spared the horror of starvation that would have faced him and his people. Instead, he was blessed with fullness of bread and the opportunity to sell grain to the nations around him.
The other Pharaoh, the one who did not know Joseph, had a very contrary heart to his predecessor. This Pharaoh from the beginning hardened his heart. He refused to listen to Moses and rebelled against the God that sent him. The very first words we have recorded out of Pharaoh’s mouth were “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice ?” (Ex.5:2)
Again and again he refused to bend before God. “And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. “ (Ex. 8:32)
We see God’s patience. Instead of cursing him immediately, God gave him ten chances to change his mind. Ten times he showed Pharaoh His supernatural power through the plagues. Only when there was no hope left, did God curse him - drowning him in the middle of the Red Sea. Only a man blinded by his foolish, prideful heart would race his chariot onto a miraculous path that was obviously provided by the hand of a powerful God intent on saving His people.
Two Pharaohs… two reactions… two consequences – one blessed, one cursed.
What can we learn from this scriptural account? Is it simply a story in the history of Israel or is there a lesson for us, even though thousands of years have passed ?
This is what it teaches me.
As a 'child of Abraham' I feel so protected under the watchful eye of my Father God that I need never fear what man may do to me.
But it also teaches me I have a responsibility. As I go about in the world I am God's representative. Do I present a true picture of who God is to those I meet who do not know Him?
Do the words out of my mouth and my actions and reactions reflect the character of God? Do I move people to desire the blessing of God, or do I move them to harden their hearts?
When I see people who are ungodly or wicked do I wish them the 'curses' of God? Or do I have the heart of Jesus and ask that God give them one more chance to choose Him.
Things to think about, are they not?
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Delays
I am always eager when I see the first signs of spring to get out and buy bedding plants. Neither of my two thumbs is green but I love to plant flowers anyway!
Saturday was a gorgeous day! Clear blue sky and the kind of warmth in the air that speaks of planting gardens.
I have learned over the years which flowers bloom in spite of me and one particular plant I love is one variety of the African Daisy called Arctosis. It is hard to get and when I called my local garden shop the clerk referred me to the owner who knew immediately what I was looking for but he did not have them in yet because in his words “We are three weeks behind this year in spring. It is still too cold to plant them so I won’t be bringing them in for a week or two yet ! “
A three week delay in spring? My heart sank with disappointment!
We are expecting out of town guests and of course I wanted all my flower beds in full bloom – well, at LEAST planted!
It is a bit of an oxymoron, is it not? We complain so readily that time is just slipping by too quickly but put a ‘delay’ in our day and we immediately rise up in disappointment or alarm!
When the expert gardener told me it was too cold to plant my Arctosis my first thought reaction was to plant something else.
Have you ever thought about how a ‘delay’ roadblock brings with it a temptation? I had never thought about that aspect before and then I moved to wondering if God sometimes brings delays into our day or life as a test to see what is in our heart.
Think about the last time you met with a delay. Maybe it was as minor as a time delay in a cashier line up or stalled traffic. Maybe it was a delay in your plans … maybe it was a delay caused by an unexpected accident or health situation or an unwanted change in a job or financial situation. Delays in our life are rather a given, aren’t they?
But what do we do with them? That is the question.
My mind drifted to scriptural examples. Immediately, I thought of Saul.
He had everything going for him as we read in I Sam. 9:2 “a choice and handsome young man. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.”
God chose him to be Israel’s first King … and God’s choice met with the unanimous approval of the people.
But Saul was undone by his reaction to a delay. A simple delay... waiting for someone who was a little late.
How often do we wait for someone? Did you ever think your reaction could change your life? Probably not and usually it is not that serious… but for Saul it was.
Saul had reigned as king for two years when the Israelites found themselves threatened by the Philistine armies. Saul gathered around him a few thousand men and readied himself for battle confident of his victory.
Before the Israelites went to battle it was customary to make a sacrifice to the Lord for His blessing to be given for their victory. The offering had to be made by a priest and Samuel assured Saul that he would be there on such and such a day to officiate the required sacrifice.
Saul waited but Samuel’s coming was delayed.
Jonathon had attacked a garrison of Philistines at Geba and upon hearing about it the Philistines were enraged and came with thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and soldiers numbering as the sand of the sea to fight against Israel’s three thousand man army.
Understandably, Saul’s little army began to fear and Saul watched the men with him dwindle away as they ran to hide in caves, in rocks, in pits and even in thickets.
He waited seven days but still Samuel did not show up. The delay tested Saul beyond his patience and he finally took matters into his own hands and offered the burnt offering himself. Hardly had he finished than Samuel appears and asks him what he has done.
Saul tried to excuse himself by saying that he felt he had no choice as the Philistines were almost upon them and they dared not fight without supplication made to the Lord.
But Samuel does not accept his reasoning and says, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord you God which He commanded you. “
Saul’s reaction to his ‘delay’ cost him dearly. It cost him his kingdom. God took it away from him and gave it to another … a shepherd boy. (I Sam. 13)
I think we are inwardly shocked at the severity of consequences imposed by God on Saul for his reaction. If we are honest, I think most every one of us would have done the same thing as Saul. The situation was dire; Samuel was seven days late, there was no way to contact him and the victory of the impending battle depended on the sacrifice. Someone had to do it… and do it quickly... time was running out.
There is an interesting point here…. WAS time running out? Of course not… had Saul waited for Samuel as he had been commanded to do Samuel would have arrived just in time… there was plenty of time to offer the sacrifice before the battle ensued.
Is that not the first temptation of a delay? To believe that time is running out? That something that HAS to be done will not be done in time? God is never flustered … God is never too late… God never forgets and is never out of control. He has already worked delays into His perfect plan.
Let not delays cause you to panic.
A delay also tempts us to think that we can come up with an alternate plan. Saul knew that he was not qualified to make the sacrifice to the Lord... it HAD to be a priest. But Saul thought he could be an exception. God’s commandments are not open to our amendments... not matter how much we think we need to take things into our own hands.
Let not delays cause you to lean onto your own understanding.
A delay also tempts us to react in the flesh, does it not? How quickly can the smallest delay cause you to become irritable, or annoyed or downright disgruntled or angry?
The fruit of the Spirit quickly withers on the vine. I’m sure Saul was angry with Samuel, irritable and impatient with the endless waiting, and feeling he was losing control of his men who were fleeing.
Let not delays cause you to react in the flesh.
The next time a ‘delay’ presents itself in your path… whether it is an insignificant delay or a major life-changing one … stop and consider. What will this delay reveal about you? How will you react? Will you let it strengthen you in your trust in God’s control and timing in your life? Will you let it teach you to walk unruffled in the fruit of the Spirit?
Saturday was a gorgeous day! Clear blue sky and the kind of warmth in the air that speaks of planting gardens.
I have learned over the years which flowers bloom in spite of me and one particular plant I love is one variety of the African Daisy called Arctosis. It is hard to get and when I called my local garden shop the clerk referred me to the owner who knew immediately what I was looking for but he did not have them in yet because in his words “We are three weeks behind this year in spring. It is still too cold to plant them so I won’t be bringing them in for a week or two yet ! “
A three week delay in spring? My heart sank with disappointment!
We are expecting out of town guests and of course I wanted all my flower beds in full bloom – well, at LEAST planted!
It is a bit of an oxymoron, is it not? We complain so readily that time is just slipping by too quickly but put a ‘delay’ in our day and we immediately rise up in disappointment or alarm!
When the expert gardener told me it was too cold to plant my Arctosis my first thought reaction was to plant something else.
Have you ever thought about how a ‘delay’ roadblock brings with it a temptation? I had never thought about that aspect before and then I moved to wondering if God sometimes brings delays into our day or life as a test to see what is in our heart.
Think about the last time you met with a delay. Maybe it was as minor as a time delay in a cashier line up or stalled traffic. Maybe it was a delay in your plans … maybe it was a delay caused by an unexpected accident or health situation or an unwanted change in a job or financial situation. Delays in our life are rather a given, aren’t they?
But what do we do with them? That is the question.
My mind drifted to scriptural examples. Immediately, I thought of Saul.
He had everything going for him as we read in I Sam. 9:2 “a choice and handsome young man. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.”
God chose him to be Israel’s first King … and God’s choice met with the unanimous approval of the people.
But Saul was undone by his reaction to a delay. A simple delay... waiting for someone who was a little late.
How often do we wait for someone? Did you ever think your reaction could change your life? Probably not and usually it is not that serious… but for Saul it was.
Saul had reigned as king for two years when the Israelites found themselves threatened by the Philistine armies. Saul gathered around him a few thousand men and readied himself for battle confident of his victory.
Before the Israelites went to battle it was customary to make a sacrifice to the Lord for His blessing to be given for their victory. The offering had to be made by a priest and Samuel assured Saul that he would be there on such and such a day to officiate the required sacrifice.
Saul waited but Samuel’s coming was delayed.
Jonathon had attacked a garrison of Philistines at Geba and upon hearing about it the Philistines were enraged and came with thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and soldiers numbering as the sand of the sea to fight against Israel’s three thousand man army.
Understandably, Saul’s little army began to fear and Saul watched the men with him dwindle away as they ran to hide in caves, in rocks, in pits and even in thickets.
He waited seven days but still Samuel did not show up. The delay tested Saul beyond his patience and he finally took matters into his own hands and offered the burnt offering himself. Hardly had he finished than Samuel appears and asks him what he has done.
Saul tried to excuse himself by saying that he felt he had no choice as the Philistines were almost upon them and they dared not fight without supplication made to the Lord.
But Samuel does not accept his reasoning and says, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord you God which He commanded you. “
Saul’s reaction to his ‘delay’ cost him dearly. It cost him his kingdom. God took it away from him and gave it to another … a shepherd boy. (I Sam. 13)
I think we are inwardly shocked at the severity of consequences imposed by God on Saul for his reaction. If we are honest, I think most every one of us would have done the same thing as Saul. The situation was dire; Samuel was seven days late, there was no way to contact him and the victory of the impending battle depended on the sacrifice. Someone had to do it… and do it quickly... time was running out.
There is an interesting point here…. WAS time running out? Of course not… had Saul waited for Samuel as he had been commanded to do Samuel would have arrived just in time… there was plenty of time to offer the sacrifice before the battle ensued.
Is that not the first temptation of a delay? To believe that time is running out? That something that HAS to be done will not be done in time? God is never flustered … God is never too late… God never forgets and is never out of control. He has already worked delays into His perfect plan.
Let not delays cause you to panic.
A delay also tempts us to think that we can come up with an alternate plan. Saul knew that he was not qualified to make the sacrifice to the Lord... it HAD to be a priest. But Saul thought he could be an exception. God’s commandments are not open to our amendments... not matter how much we think we need to take things into our own hands.
Let not delays cause you to lean onto your own understanding.
A delay also tempts us to react in the flesh, does it not? How quickly can the smallest delay cause you to become irritable, or annoyed or downright disgruntled or angry?
The fruit of the Spirit quickly withers on the vine. I’m sure Saul was angry with Samuel, irritable and impatient with the endless waiting, and feeling he was losing control of his men who were fleeing.
Let not delays cause you to react in the flesh.
The next time a ‘delay’ presents itself in your path… whether it is an insignificant delay or a major life-changing one … stop and consider. What will this delay reveal about you? How will you react? Will you let it strengthen you in your trust in God’s control and timing in your life? Will you let it teach you to walk unruffled in the fruit of the Spirit?
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Miracle of the Rainbow
(coming home on a rainy day we came upon a beautiful double rainbow that arched in a perfect bow across the sky )
Thousands of years ago ...... God said an amazing thing.
"And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
Gen 9:17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth. "
Gen 9:11-17
Noah had just experienced the greatest flood this world has ever known ! In viewing his story from the safety of our vantage point in history we do not feel the emotional impact of being the sole survivors of the outpouring of God's wrath.
I'm sure Noah's family could not help but feel fear that it could happen again, and the next time there might not be an ark to carry them to safety.
Over and over throughout the scriptures God says to His people ....."Fear not!" God knew that He could say "Fear not" to Noah and Noah would believe Him... but would his sons? his sons' wives? his grandchildren ? his descendants thousands of years removed ?
And so God said "fear not!" in a way that would resound again and again as long the earth should stand. Man would continually have the assurance that God's covenant with Noah was an everlasting covenant.
The miracle of the rainbow !! Every time it appears in the sky it is God's promise repeating itself,
My husband loves space science -- anything to do with the heavens. He brought an article to my attention today and one paragraph caught my imagination !
In the article, atmospheric optics expert Les Cowley in talking about the amazing aspects of the rainbow said the following...
"Rainbows need transparent and almost perfect spheres to refract the sun's rays, so perfect it seems miraculous that we ever see a rainbow !"
The rainbow is described by modern scientists as 'miraculous' ? It makes me smile.
God's children have ALWAYS known that it is miraculous !! And should it surprise us that even after 6,000 years science marvels at its perfection?
God made a promise and the timeless pronouncement of His faithfulness is displayed in His perfect rainbow!
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