Thursday 19 February 2009
- Bible Book:
- Genesis
"God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.'" (v.12-13)
Background
In this passage, God offers a new beginning to Noah and hisfamily, and to all the creatures that have been saved fromdestruction by the flood. This new beginning is marked by themaking of a covenant - a solemn and binding agreement between twoparties.
This covenant relationship between God and humankind - indeed withall living creatures - has as its hallmark 'accountability'. Thenotion of blood shed in 'a life for a life' (verse 6) is not onethat sits easily with 21st century Christian ideals. In thisancient text however, it points to the truth of humankind made inGod's image, and each person being precious and of value in God'ssight.
God's 'side' of the covenant is also about accountability. God willrestrain and limit the exercise of divine power in a fresh andnever-ending commitment to sustaining life and all its goodness forpresent and future generations. John Wesley, one of the founders ofMethodism, took this idea of covenant and placed it at the heart ofhis personal ongoing relationship with God, inviting those whocalled themselves Methodists to do likewise. The
The final verses of the passage establish the rainbow as a symbolof covenant and promise firmly at the heart of the Jewish andChristian faith narratives. Some have interpreted the shape of therainbow as God's bow (as in bow and arrow) always directed awayfrom the earth. Others might see in it the shape of a shield - ofGod's protecting love. The rainbow occurs only where there israinfall and sunlight: a reminder of the basic requirements ofwater and light, necessary for life to exist and plants andcreatures to flourish. This makes it a very good symbol of the'just-rightness' of conditions upon our planet that make lifepossible and sustainable. For the same reasons it is a fittingsymbol of the constancy of God's love.
In scientific terms, the rainbow is a naturally occurring spectrumof colours revealing the different wavelengths of which visiblelight is composed. It is therefore also a reminder of the beauty tobe glimpsed in the unity and diversity of human experience. For allof these reasons, it is a very rich symbol indeed!
To Ponder
In the face of climate change and concern overcarbon dioxide emissions, what might be the strengths ofrediscovering, and taking seriously, the idea of a divine-humancovenant?
What does the symbol of the rainbow mean for you?How can you link it with this ancient faith story?
Are there other symbols and images from thenatural world that carry important faith-meaning for you? What arethey?