Jan 2, 2010

The Covenant

Last week I posted that I was planning to read the Bible in 90 days.  I had randomly come across this challenge online and it sounded great to me.  So far, so good!  I realize it's only been three days, but I've gotten myself settled in with my beloved copy of  The Message every day and read the assigned chapters and verses.  It doesn't seem like it should be on the surface, but not missing a day will be the major challenge.  To miss a day is to increase the reading assignment to thirty some chapters the next day.  In order to glean the most I can from this experience I don't think that's a good idea!  I think my mind would start wondering after the first twenty or so chapters!  For today's Spiritual Sunday post I'd like to share some thoughts with you from my first few days of reading.  If you would like to join the challenge it's not too late - you can catch up!  Follow the link above or on my right side bar to read about the origin of the challenge.  If you would like to have a discussion about some the the text we are reading, I plan to write something about my week's reading every Sunday.  I would love to have you join me!


Is there anyone who doesn't get just a little excited when they see a rainbow?  When I see a rainbow I always say a quick prayer of thanks for the promise it represents.  But while reading Genesis 8, I thought about how lightly we take promises.  We live in a world where commitments are infrequently long term.  Guarantees are no longer an assurance of anything.  The promises of marriage are considered with less permanence and commitment than ever before. The rainbow is God's promise, not to Noah, but a covenant between God and the entire human race.  More than that, Genesis 8:21 seems to show more of a reaffirmation in God's own heart of His original purpose for creating the human race.  I've always thought of the rainbow as a reminder to us.  Actually, Genesis 9:13-15 states that it's purpose is for God to be reminded of His purpose each time He sees the beauty of the rainbow.  "I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. And it shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shalt be seen in the cloud and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh." (Genesis 9:13-15).

God knew then and still now, that the heart of a human being is not pure and yet He loves us anyway.  The Noahic Covenant was a permanent, lasting, universal promise which encompassed "all living creations", human and animal, for "all generations".  God's covenant was unconditional.  It didn't matter then and it doesn't matter now what we do or how much evil is created on earth, God's Word is a permanent, lasting, forever covenant.   Isaiah 54:9-10 reminds us that His love will never be removed from us. "For this is like the days of Noah to Me; when I swore that the waters of Noah should not flood the earth again, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, nor will I rebuke you. For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,’ says the Lord who has compassion on you.” 

Here's an incredible thought:  Every single time you admire the magnificence of a rainbow, GOD HIMSELF IS ADMIRING THE VERY SAME RAINBOW AT THE VERY SAME TIME YOU ARE!  And He is thinking about His enduring, forever love for me and for you!  WOW!

What is a rainbow?  It is simply the reflection of the suns rays on particles of moisture.  We see this gift when the sun shines during a rain.  Small in the realm of science, yet so huge in our security of God's vast love for us.  "And the Lord smelled the soothing aroma; and the Lord said to Himself, ‘I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living things as I have done’."  (Genesis 8:21)

It's true that human word is fairly meaningless.  How comforting it is to know that God's word, His covenant, His faithfulness, is our security!

29 comments:

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Proud of you!!!

pam said...

WOWZA...that is a lot...way to go. So glad God is unchanging, faithful and true...He is His Word...you're embracing His essence as you read...cool

My Slice of Heaven said...

Wow, what a great goal to set for this new year. I look forward to hearing more recaps in the future!

southerninspiration said...

Amen, my friend!! Great observations!

Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Your post reminded me of the time I was driving home, really upset, tears streaming down my face. There, directly over our house was a complete, beautiful, bright rainbow. It stretched from one side of our home to the other. I knew at that moment that God was with me. I was overcome with peace and reminded of His promises.

Saleslady371 said...

Rainbows thrill me. So does God's covenant! Happy New Year, Kathy.

Karen said...

What a great goal and thank you for sharing the insights you've gained from your Bible reading. I like the Message Bible, too.

Kathy said...

Happy New Year, Kathy! I picked a perfect day to stop by. Your reflections on God's Word are inspiring. I'm looking forward to hearing more. ~Kathy

Sheree said...

Hard to read your post with the colors of the background and color of writing.
Always enjoy reading your blog though.

Anonymous said...

Kathy so interesting you are blogging about this! I was talking to a pastor friend about how I don't make resolutions even about reading the Bible in a year for I am so ADD I cannot seem to keep up with it and then feel guilty.
He suggested I try reading the Bible through in a month!! His amount of chapters were not quite right when I investigated it on the net but I decided I would like to try and get through the OT in a month which would be 33 pages in my Bible a day ( divided number of pages by 30 or 31). It was suggested to not read a bit of OT and NT as it interrupts the flow- so that is why I thought I would start with OT only.
We will see how it goes!

If only I could find a new planner to keep track of it all!!

blessings
mary

Gattina said...

When I started blogging I was so surprised about the Americans talking about God and Religion on their blogs. That's quite unusual here in Europe, nobody says anything about it, it's very private. I don't even know if my neighbours who are also my friends believe in god or not and nobody goes to church anyway. I live in a catholic country (Belgium) and they all have enough of the pope, with some exceptions of course.

Beverly said...

I stopped by to wish you Happy Pink Saturday, but I will wish you happy Sunday instead. After all, Sunday is my favorite day of the week.

Kathy, this is such a wonderful challenge. I think The Bible offers us something new each time it is opened and read.

michelle said...

I so feel the same way when I see the rainbow. God is good to allow me to live in Florida where I see it regularly! Thanks!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Having lived in horrible darkness...with no hope it's so good to Know Hope...to know He is there, He cares. He shines His Light and His love and care never changes.

Joan Hall said...

Wow - 90 days. My goal is to read through in a year. Love your thoughts on the rainbow.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I hope you complete your personal challenge. Great Post !
Happy New year!
~Myrna

Debbie said...

What a great goal for this New Year, and your right, while I have ALWAYS loved a rainbow, I have not thought about the things you have mentioned about it. What an awesome and wonderful thought to think of Almighty God be reminded of us promise and love for us through a pretty rainbow. Thanks so much for sharing this. I won't look at one the same way again. I look forward to your further insights. Blessinga to you, Debbie

Charlotte said...

I'm glad you took this challenge, Kathy, and I like the comments you made about the rainbow. Not too long ago I saw a double rainbow. That was really special. That was when I decided to always carry my camera with me. I didn't have it that day.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us today.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Mevely317 said...

I've found these words so comforting, Kathy! ....
Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Myra

Musings of A Minister said...

Great insight into the Word of God. Thanks for sharing.

Sue said...

Hi Kathy,
What a great challenge! I plan to read my Bible through again this year, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on what you have read.
Blessings,
Sue

Renee said...

Great post and insights on Noah, the covenant and the rainbow.
God bless.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I never see a rainbow that I don't get goosebumps. God's covenant still stands.

rcubes said...

Having the rainbows as signs of His everlasting covenant, that's way better than just finding the pot of gold at the end of it...They are so beautiful to look at, but they are also wonderful reminders of His love. Thank you for reminding us today about His one of His faithful promises. Blessings.

Tra La La Boom De Ay said...

I figured out how to read it, I highlighted the page. HA! Wonderful post and thanks so much for stopping my blog today as well. Much love to you in the new year!

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

This is wonderful! WOW 90 days that's amazing, I could maybe do it but my mind would wonder and if I take the time to do it I need to pay attention. I love rainbows and always thank the Lord when I see one.
God Bless,
Ginger

Tra La La Boom De Ay said...

A wonderful message Kathy! You put so much into this post. I do love your writings!

Ms.Daisy said...

Kathy,
Yes, rainbows are very special to me...I was pregnant and quite fearful with my first baby when driving home from a mall with a friend we saw the most beautiful rainbow! I realized that I was never alone and my fear dropped away...and that was 46 years ago!


Blessings,
Jean

Technonana said...

Preach on My Sista!!! I loved it!!!
I too am a "Message" reader!!!
Powerful Message!!
Thanks!!