The Rainbow and the Cross

 "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of the flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2: 13-15

    After Bible study the other night, my friend and I were treated to an awesome sky designed simply to delight us. As we drove home, it was challenging to stay in my lane as I craned to see this spectacle. The dark cloud bank on one end lay in stark contrast to the setting sun at the west, where the brooding bunch reluctantly parted, ushering in a golden splendor that bathed shadowy trees in a holy illumination. 

    As we rounded a bend, the crowning glory came into view as a full rainbow arched across the dramatic vista stealing our breath. By that time, it became clear I needed to pull over to take a picture. After obtaining the best view, I shared it with my friend, lamenting the telephone pole that stood in the way of the otherwise perfect pic. 

    Then my friend wisely commented, "But did you notice the pole is in the shape of a cross?"

    Indeed, what I had perceived as being "in the way" became the focal point of the photograph as the cross, with all its redemptive hope, took center stage over the now secondary rainbow.  It was a blessing to see these two symbols of God's covenants with mankind occupying the same scene. 

    Once home, gratefulness for God's promises filled my heart as I pondered the photo.

    After the great flood, God said to Noah, "Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life." (Genesis 9: 14-15) 

    Just as the ark saved Noah and his family, the blood of Christ provided salvation to all who believe in His name. As Jesus said at the Last Supper, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:20) By His death on the cross, He ushered in the new covenant spoken of in the Old Testament when God said, "I will be their God and they will be my people...For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." (Jeremiah 31: 33-34)

    How many people have stumbled over the cross, seeing it as an offense that is "in the way" rather than the very thing that has the power to save them from an eternal doom? My prayer is that the love of God breaks through their clouded heart with holy illumination, accepting Jesus as their personal Savior.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18