Remembering the Rainbow - Genesis 9:13

Genesis 9:13 God said: “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”

            We live on a beautiful and exceptional planet. As far as we can tell, it’s the only one that can sustain life as we know it. There may be other Earth-like planets in the universe, but this is the only one that we can presently call ‘Home.’ We are dwelling on a precious global jewel filled with an amazing variety of life-forms. We are blessed with an abundance of species that make the Earth a remarkable place. All around us, we find the hallmarks of God who loves to create all sorts of living beings. It is good to feel connected to our Creator who wants us to enjoy His works.

            At the end of the Noah story in the Bible, God reconnects with His beloved Earth and promises never to destroy it. This covenant is something that God maintains as sacred, so we are called and invited to do the same. As human beings, we can be the most destructive life force on this planet, but as children of God we can embrace this holy promise and do whatever we are able to make the world a better place – environmentally and socially, as well as spiritually.

            Perhaps if we were also to remind ourselves of God’s promise to the Earth each time we see a rainbow, we would be constantly inspired to make the changes necessary to bless the Earth with our care and keep it healthy, so that we can pass on a beautiful planet to our children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. As with all of God’s promises, it’s left to us to freely uphold our side of the commitment. Let us hope and pray that we will truly begin to embrace God’s covenant with the Earth.

Point to ponder

What do I love most about the Earth? What am I willing to do to protect it?

Prayer:            Almighty Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, thank You for allowing us the joy of living in Your Creation. Encourage us to sustain this beautiful blessing by taking care of this wonderful planet. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

 Today’s image is one of John’s rainbow colored drawings called ‘Tree of Life.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Tree.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can view the church’s web-page at www.erinpresbyterian.org. Come and join us at anytime J

Thanksgiving devotion: Outlaw - Judges 11:3

Today’s readings:       Judges 11:1-11 and 2 Corinthians 11:12-21

Judges 11:3    So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a group of adventurers gathered around him and followed him.

The story of Jephthah reminds me of the tale of Robin Hood. Jephthah becomes an outcast because of his immoral parentage and, in order to survive, he collects around him a band of adventurers who fiercely defend the exiled land where they are now living. Jephthah and his band of brothers are treated like outlaws until their homeland comes under a severe attack from its enemies. Jephthah’s strength, bravery, and courage are so well known in the region that the elders of his tribe come to him for help. They are even willing to forget his shady family tree and offer him the leadership of his own people. They are all living in desperate times, which requires desperate action.

Later on in the story, Jephthah becomes a tragic character because of a rash promise, but during this time when the people needed him, his leadership saves the day. God obviously blesses Jephthah because he is a man of faith who keeps his word. Even though this will cost him his dearest love, Jephthah will not abandon his people who had once forsaken and outlawed him.

It’s a remarkable story, full of many different angles, lessons, and teaching points. It shows us how God can use outcasts to fulfill His will. It also reminds us of the noble qualities of loyalty and service which can be found in humanity. It displays fortitude and courage in the face adversity and prejudice, as well as how compassion and sacrifice show humility and devotion before God.

Jephthah’s tale could have been written as a Shakespearean tragedy, but it also reminds us of how God kept His promise by sacrificing His own dear Son in order to redeem and restore the world that He loved. And if you read through Judges 11 over the next couple of days, you’ll fully understand all that I am writing about today.

Questions for personal reflection

Have there been times in my life when I've felt like an outcast among my peers? How has God helped through those moments of isolation?

Prayer:            Lord God, You have kept all of Your promises and continue to fulfill Your word each day. We thank You for the precious gift of Your Son Jesus whose death brought us life, and whose compassion granted us mercy. Help us to share His gift with our families and friends during this time of Thanksgiving and Hope. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a questions about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is a holiday card for a friend.