“The Rainbow”

Genesis 9.8-17

Pastor Tom Johnson, February 26, 2012

 

Tom Johnson, February 26, 2012

Things became so bad on earth—the plight of humanity became so violent that God is ready to completely give up on us. That is, until Noah finds favor with God. God preserves the human race and all creatures by his grace through water. Never again will God send such devastating destruction. Never again will there be a flood, he promises. When the ark comes to rest—when the water has receded—when the dark clouds have parted, there would be a sign. That sign is a rainbow. There will be a bow or an arch in the sky. Every time we see a rainbow God wants us to remember his promise to all species of creatures—that he will deal with us mercifully.

It does not happen every day. When it happens, it usually follows a storm. The rain stops where you are. Behind you the sun peaks through the clouds. On the other side of the horizon the rain still falls. The conditions are just right. That’s when you see it—the red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple all in their spectral beauty—coming down from the sky above to the earth below in a perfect angle.

Last time I saw a rainbow, I was in the car with my children. We saw—not one—but two rainbows. Two concentric circles in the heavens. One rainbow was loud and clear. The other one looked like a faint echo of the first. I wasn’t the only one taking pictures while driving. The picture doesn’t do it justice. It was far more breathtaking in real life. Maybe you discovered as a kid—like I did—how to make rainbows by spraying the garden hose into the air. Or maybe your grandmother also had crystal in her window that sprayed beams of color into the room.

That is exactly what a rainbow is. It’s sunlight refracting as it bends in the prism of water particles. As I read about rainbows, scientists say it is simple optics. I’m still amazed. How can we so easily explain away the perfect geometry and order of rainbows? Rainbows reveal the color that is always there. The clouds may hide the sun. But the sun is always there. Sunlight may look colorless. But when sunlight hits the water, its secrets are revealed. The veil is lifted and we see the full spectrum of light.

God tells Noah that the rainbow is a sign for all future generations—including you and me. God wants us to hear this sermon that he preaches in the sky: Things may appear to be dark, colorless, and gloomy. There are storms in this life. But evil will not overcome us. Remember the rainbow—that bow in the clouds. That colorful arch in the sky reminds us that God has not abandoned us in darkness. The full spectrum of the light of the world is there even though we cannot always see it.

Yes, the Son—S-O-N—may be hidden from our eyes. The world around us may seem to be engulfed in grays and shadows. But the Light of the World is always with us. God calls us to live by faith, not by sight. In our Gospel reading, the Son—the Light of the World—hits the waters of Baptism. Jesus comes to the river Jordan. The heavens are torn apart. The Spirit descends on Jesus. The voice of his Father also comes out from the clouds. The Light of the World hits the baptismal waters and the full spectrum of God is revealed—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And God the Father says, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And in him, we too are adopted as daughters and sons through the water. The Light of the World shines brightly into the baptismal waters. And in the prism of Jesus’ life we see the full spectrum of our salvation:

          Purple for the mock trial and bruises of the rod.
          Purple for the King of kings, Lord of lords, Son of God.


          Blue the water that washes the stain of sin.
          Blue the sky where he comes back again.


          Green the grass and life which fade so fast.
          Green the Tree of Life which feeds the nations at last.


          Yellow the fear of Judas, Peter, and all who stray.
          Yellow the dawn of mercy that is new each day.


          Orange the rooster which crows our betrayal.
          Orange the empty tomb and new life which prevail.


          Red the blood of Jesus on the hill of Calvary.
          Red the lips of the forgiven which shout the victory.