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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.

 

 

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