Skip to main content

See It And Remember

             Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” (Genesis 9:16)

 

            Have you considered this verse? When the rainbow appears, God will remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures. Remember? God needs to see something to be reminded? Some scholars talk about “remembering” or being “reminded” as having do with God taking action on a promise. He remembered Israel and His doing so resulted in His doing something about the situation. And, they’re experts, so they may know. I’m not saying they’re wrong – but I am wondering about another possibility that may also be true.

            Jesus’ ministry on Earth was as a rabbi and priest (of the order of Melchizedek.) The Holy Spirit was sent to teach us. The Father is also described as teaching the people of Israel, so it’s not in the least unreasonable to consider the possibility that when God does something, it’s meant to teach us. Teachers may know something for which they need to reminder – but teaching their students to know it by giving them a way to remember is useful.

            God gives the Jews (and us) things that are supposed to remind us, and I believe the rainbow was another of those things. It reminds God – but more importantly, it reminds us.

            I may not write about this every year, but it seems as if I share it often. Years ago, because there were no presents to/from friends and family to put under the Christmas tree, I started putting objects around the house that reminded me of some intangible gift God gave me. As examples, a pair of running shoes reminded me of the gift of health and a pair of hiking boots, of freedom.

         When I started caring for Dad, there wasn’t room for all the stuff, and I’ve forgotten some of what I used. There still isn’t room for the stuff, but I’m putting vinyl cut outs and pictures on wooden shapes to hang outside to remind myself and to encourage others to think about what God has given us.

            The idea of Aaron’s breastplate I shared yesterday is another version of this, but there aren’t the only possibilities. What reminds you of God in some way? What could you set as a reminder? Now is a good time of year to think about such things.

 

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

"Especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10)   “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)           Joshua grinned when he saw Rex standing by the door, studying something on the ground. "Hey, man! Are we ready to do this thing?"          Rex looked up. "Josh, I can't do it. We're still best buds, but I can't stand your fiancée."           I've met "Rex" many times. I've been Rex. Joshua (Jesus) loves the Church. He's not a fool. He knows the Church is far from perfect, but she is His chosen bride. The Rexes of this world, who think themselves His friend, turn away from her. "You don't need the Church to...

Ssssssubmmissssssionnn

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ . (Ephesians 5:21)             "Ssssssubmmisssssssionnn." Can't you just hear the serpent hissing this most horrible of words? If you listen to the serpent or the world, submission means groveling, allowing yourself to be abused, denying yourself your own humanity. Nothing could be worse than submission, could it?             Submission has never been a problem for me, as long as things are going the way I want them to. The rest of the time? Well, let's just say that while I don't know how to fight physically, I don't know how to not fight mentally. One of the fights I've been having with myself for years is about submission.             My first breakthrough took place on a trip to a bookstore. As I walked into the store, my thoughts were very clear. 1) I was goi...

Shark Fins, Triple Dog Dares, Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)            There's a scene in Jaws in which someone sees a shark fin and starts a panic. As   all the swimmers scramble to shore, boats surround the fin, which falls over to reveal two kids. With several guns pointed at them, one of the kids points at the other. The message is clear: it was his idea. In Christmas Story, there's a scene in which one kid "triple dog dares" another to do something stupid. Since it's a triple dog dare, well, what choice does the boy have? There doesn't seem to be any end to the trouble that peer pressure can cause. ...