Genesis 9:17
So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."
As we read through the Old Testament we are going to read the word “covenant” several different times. God made a covenant that he declared to Noah. Later we will read about a covenant with Abraham, then reiterated with Isaac and Jacob. There will be a covenant that God establishes with David. The point I want to make is this; God makes and keeps covenants. A covenant was and is a legally binding contract. Most often a covenant made between two parties was written with conditions for each party to keep. If those conditions were not kept the covenant could be determined to be null and void. However, when God declared this covenant to Noah there are no conditions for Noah or mankind to keep. God took full responsibility for the covenant. God said I will never destroy the world again with a world-wide flood. And for a sign of that covenant I will place a rainbow in the sky.
When I see a rainbow I am reminded of more than a promise that the whole world will not be destroyed by flood, I am reminded of the character of God.. The rainbow reminds me that God is faithful to his Word. His promises will never fail and He will never fail to keep his promises. We may not be faithful - but God is . . . always. The rainbow reminds me that God is full of grace. It is not his desire that any should perish . . . God wants so much for each and every person to live in covenant relationship with him . . . that is what the cross of Jesus is all about . . . that is why he sent his Son to die in our place. The rainbow says, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!”
Suggested Readings To Read Through The Bible In A Year
Wednesday January 5, 2011 Genesis 9-10, Matthew 7-8, Psalm 5, Proverbs 5
Thursday January 6, 2011 Gen. 11-12, Mt. 9, Psalm 6, Prov. 6
Friday January 7, 2011 Gen, 13-14, Mt. 10, Psalm 7, Prov. 7
Saturday January 8, 2011 Gen. 15–16, Mt. 11, Psalm 8. Prov. 8
Sunday January 9, 2011 Gen. 17-18, Mt. 12, Psalm 9, Prov. 9
Monday January 10, 2011 Gen. 19-20, Mt. 13, Psalm 10, Prov. 10
Tuesday January 11, 2011 Gen. 21-22, Mt. 14, Psalm 11, Prov. 11