The First Rainbow

The First Rainbow

Noah’s Wife And Daughters-in-law

Read: Genesis 9:1-17

The young mother walked through the apartment with an open mouth, scarcely comprehending what the pastor was telling her. She knew that his church had promised to find her a job and provide a home for her family. But could this place really be hers—with the clean carpets, soft beds, running water, and a refrigerator packed with food? All she had ever known was living on a mud floor, carrying water from a dirty river, and scratching out a living from a small vegetable plot. Surely this was some mistake—and yet the man was smiling and holding out a set of keys.

After the flood, Noah’s wife and family may have wondered if their home was secure, or if God would repeat the flood in the future. God assured them that he would never again send floodwaters to destroy all life. As a sign of his promise, he placed the first rainbow in the sky. How did Noah’s wife and daughters-in-law feel as they gazed at the very first rainbow? Such brilliant colors arcing across the sky, put there just to assure them that their home was safe from destruction. Each time a rainbow appeared, their hearts swelled with renewed wonder at God’s goodness and provision.

God has given us a promise even greater than the pledge of the rainbow. Jesus promised that someday those who believe in him will move into an eternal home, free from decay, sorrow, trials, and death. Our new home will be so wonderful that we can’t even imagine it right now, yet it will be perfectly suited to us. Best of all, God will live among us. Living in his glorious presence will make even the richest mansion on earth seem like a hut with a mud floor.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9