Genesis 9:12 And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations. 13 I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.

Something the miraculous moves its way into a human’s heart when they see a rainbow. No one hates a rainbow, nor can one turn away from it when noticed. The rainbow causes us to focus on it even if it is for a few seconds. Regardless of the state and corrupt condition of a person’s evil heart, the rainbow can draw their attention away from the circumstances of the world. Even if it is only for a millisecond that their conscience is penetrated, there is a knowing that God exists. The rainbow proclaims an active creation at work right in front of our eyes. God has placed this knowing of Him within the appearance of a rainbow. Gen. 9:13 I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. When God said, “I set My rainbow in the cloud,” a miracle was set in motion, for anyone who looked upon a rainbow would be blessed. In that moment of viewing, they would receive a nod from God and a momentary knowing in their souls that God exists.

Yes, yes, yes, the science behind the refraction of light through raindrops is what is causing the dispersion of sunlight that displays its seven colourful wonders. But when God spoke to Noah and explained this law of nature’s wonder and the promise behind the colourful phenomenon, the rainbow would be a reminder to all creation that God makes covenants with mankind. It would also remind man that they exist within the laws and works of God’s hand. Psalm 19:1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. For a moment in time, the rainbow makes us look up, and for a moment our eyes are heavenward. For a few seconds, our vision is on the horizon, and just maybe we see beyond the drudgery of the day.

When God was making His covenant with Abraham, the Lord told him to look at the heavens and take note of the number of stars and their diversity. Gen. 15:5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” The word to Abraham was that every time he looked up, he would be reminded of God’s promise of future descendants and an inheritance for mankind. We know this worked in Abraham’s life because his faith was acted upon, and the result was a declaration from God that Abraham was considered righteous because he believed God. Gen 15:6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.

The Word of the Lord toward us is no different. Look up, your redemption draws near. Take your eyes off all the worldly circumstances for a short time, and change your focus. When the people of Israel had sinned and were being bitten by serpents, Moses made a bronze serpent and placed it on a pole. Whoever looked up at the serpent would be healed. Num. 21:9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze and put it on the pole, and it happened that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived. Looking down at the venomous snakes did no good. It only produced terror and death. Looking up at the bronze redemptive symbol brought healing. Look up and see Jesus nailed to the cross, and you will experience His resurrection life through faith in His cleansing blood. Look up and away from yourself for a moment and see the possibility of God’s redemption for your life.

Recently, North Americans were all looking up at the total eclipse. Millions of people were standing in wonder of creation. The onlookers could not stop expressing amazement at what they were seeing. This week, a geomagnetic storm was in full force because a solar flare caused the Northern lights to be seen as far as the southern States and Europe. Every media platform had amazing pictures of this intense, colourful display dancing across the horizon to the heights of the heavens. Millions of people were looking up and feeling good about it. For a few moments, they looked beyond the problems of their lives. Look towards God and ask Him to show you the possibilities of coming through the circumstances of your life. If God can account for every star in the universe, surely He can remember His promises to you. Isa. 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these heavenly bodies, the One who brings out their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one is missing.

The next time you see a rainbow, take that moment to thank God for His wondrous creation and the goodness in your life. If you are struggling with hardships, then also take the time to pray and ask for the Lord’s delivering help. No one hates a rainbow, and God does not hate you. Only Satan hates a rainbow because it reminds him of the redemptive covenant God made with man and the promise of eternal damnation that awaits Satan and all he stands for. It is the enemy of your soul who tempts you to look down at the hellishness of life, but God would have you look up toward the loving grace He has for us all. Lord God, thank you for all your goodness that you pour out on us. May we be thankful and accept Your love within our hearts.