Read: Genesis 8-11
I always try my best to pray to God before writing these Bible studies and reflections and ask Him what He wants me to focus on. Today, one specific thing really stuck out to me and that was the rainbow.
In these chapters we see a lot of lineages again, which can feel kind of … mundane, and the names can be difficult to read. But I try to remember that no words from God are wasted and all of this information matters. We know that Noah was chosen along with his family because he was righteous before God. God wanted to save him, his family, and the animals so that life could continue on the earth.
God sent a flood to wipe out Earth. After the flood, he sent a rainbow. The rainbow is God’s promise to us that He will never flood the entire earth again.
“Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.” – Genesis 9:14-15
Every time I see a rainbow in the sky, I try to remember that promise. Rainbows are just so pretty. I remember in Ireland seeing a rainbow at the top of Blarney Castle, and then a double rainbow overlooking the coastline on a scenic drive. My mom and I pulled over to take photos because it was so beautiful. I bet you can think of a pretty rainbow that you’ve seen as well.
The rainbow has seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet; ROYGBIV. The world has taken the rainbow and tried to make it a symbol for something else, something sinful. I think you can infer what I mean. Something so symbolic, beautiful, and meaningful, a promise from God, has been taken, altered, and twisted. Christians have the original rainbow. We know its true meaning, and that’s what matters.
We are still called to love sinners. Let’s be real here; when you look in the mirror, you’re looking at a sinner, but one who is worthy of love and loved by God.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:13-14
We should love ourselves and love one another because God created us and we are special to Him.
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31
That love does not mean condoning sin or choosing to live in it ourselves. You can be a wonderful person, helpful, kind, loving, but still struggle with making sinful choices or living in sin. The world makes that very easy to do. It is important to know though that you cannot truly repent and turn away from sin if you keep choosing it over and over.
“If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.” – Hebrews 10:26-27
Read more on sin, judgement, and grace from Bible Hub.
As a mom, this all feels especially important. I want my children to grow up seeing the rainbow first as God’s promise, not just a cultural symbol. I want to teach them that God keeps His word, that He is faithful, and that beauty in creation always points back to Him. In the same way Noah trusted God, I want to model trust, obedience, and love for my own children; even when it’s challenging. Seeing a rainbow reminds me not just of God’s covenant with the world, but of my calling to raise little hearts that know Him, love Him, and remember His promises too.
Discussion Questions
- How can you, as a Christian, lovingly hold to biblical truth while still showing compassion to people who choose to live in sin?
- In what practical way(s) can you, as a parent, teach your child(ren) to see God in creation?
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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