- Scripture: Genesis 9:1–9:17
- The Anchor: “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” – Genesis 9:13
God’s covenant with Noah brings some major changes to their dietary restrictions. First, God lets Noah and his descendants eat from animals, as long as their blood is respected. Previously, with the generations from Adam to Noah, humans were herbivorous, and now God allows them to eat meat as well. The reason God doesn’t want them to eat the blood of the animal is because blood is so precious to Him. Man was created in God’s image, and beasts were all created by God, and He cares for each and every one of them, so it is not pleasing when one of them sheds their blood.
God promises Noah and his family and all the animals that a flood will never again punish the earth like it did. God’s symbol for the promise was a rainbow, so whenever we see one of those, we should remember God’s mercy and promises.
In Revelation 4:3, God’s throne is depicted with a rainbow around it. There is so much symbolism that shows God’s eternal faithfulness. God truly loves us and thinks about us, and He is faithful to His covenants.
Reflection
- God expanded the human diet to include meat but commanded strict respect for the blood because life is precious to Him. How does knowing how deeply God values every living creature change the way you view the world and treat the things He created?
- The rainbow isn’t just a weather phenomenon; it is a direct symbol of a covenant that stretches all the way to God’s throne in Revelation. When you see a rainbow or encounter everyday trials, how can you remind yourself of God’s unchanging love and comfort?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your eternal faithfulness and for the physical reminders of Your mercy that we see in creation. Help me to respect life as deeply as You do, and thank You for the secure relationship I get to have with You every day. Amen.