Intro: Humanity, as a whole, has struggled to recognize or even acknowledge its innate sinfulness and rebellion against Creator. Yet, even in the midst of our indifference, God has promised to provide a place of protection for human life—salvation for seekers (Heb 11:6). For believers, that salvation and protection comes through a relationship with our Creator. We can have that relationship because Jesus Christ took the penalty for our sin upon himself. Because of Jesus, believers will never spiritually perish in God’s future judgment against sin (John 3:16). God cannot overlook sin and a final judgment will come like in the days of Noah, but God has provided a way to eternal life (Mat 24:37).
The flood was an act of God to judge his sinful and wicked creation (Gen 6-8). However, prior to the flood, he sent Noah to proclaim that God’s protection from destruction would be extended to repentant hearts (2 Peter 2:5). Humanity was given a warning and an opportunity to be saved. Yet, only Noah and his family believed in God and that he would fulfill his Word.
God made a covenant with Noah. In Scripture, God’s covenants are many times confirmed by a sign. In our passage today, God confirms his covenant with Noah by placing his “bow” in the clouds. This sign was given to bring hope and a measure of peace to humanity for facing the future. God’s covenant offered three promises: 1) future floodwaters would be accompanied by divine protection; 2) seasons [God’s planned activity under heaven] would continue; and 3) when it rains, the rainbow would be a sign of God’s desire for peace through repentance. If you have never repented from your sin or asked for Christ to save and protect you for all eternity, then please do so, today.
Genesis 9:12-17 NLT
12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant [promise] with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. 16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” 17 Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the covenant promise you made with Noah; your rainbow in the clouds ministers grace to me. Thank you for the covenant promise you made with the individual hearts of believers to save us no matter what comes in the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.