February 23 – Promises, promises

“…Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing consolation, because they are no more” - Matthew 2:17,18

Are things worse now, in 2018, than ever before? Or is it just that there is more media reporting the extent of the atrocities and abuses taking place daily around the world? Day after day TV and radio tell graphic accounts of yet more lives that have been taken, destroyed, or changed for ever. Hatred, wars, persecution, abuse and human slavery are fast becoming just another event – like the weather forecast. It would be easy to think that there is no hope for mankind as it spirals downward....but thank God for God!

This has all happened before. The Bible tells us that the last days on earth will be like the days of Noah. “ But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” - Matthew 24:37-39 KJV

God however gave Noah and his family a promise – a promise that is for all generations, no matter the state of the world, reminding us of this promise, His covenant, with a huge, glorious rainbow in the skies.

This is where rainbows come from. The world at that time had degenerated to a level of depravity that was irreversible. God cleansed the earth with a flood which destroyed the whole earth. God protected Noah and his family until it was safe for them to leave the ark.. Can you imagine how lonely you would feel if everyone on earth was destroyed and you were the last people left? So God planted a great big rainbow in the sky to remind us that no matter how bad and corrupt the world may become, His promises will never fail.

The Lord's covenant is yours, and mine, and every person that would ever live on earth. About the bow he said; “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:17) Our security in God.

“You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its remotest parts And said to you, 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' "Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.…” Isaiah 41:10  New American Standard Bible

Next time you have the privilege of seeing a rainbow, smile and offer thanks to God for his wonderful bow of hope and promise.

Today's music choice is “Faithful One” presented by Robin Mark.  Click on the picture to listen.