“There before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it… A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Rev. 4:2-3
Lord Jesus, at most my weary, vulnerable, anxiety-infected moments in life, you have called me to gaze and feast John’s vision of the occupied throne of heaven. Life isn’t random—a rolling of the dice, “spitting in the wind,” or crossing our fingers with wish-full-ness. Providence, not happenstance, is sovereign over all the things that threaten, sadden, confuse, and alarm us. You really are Lord—not Tryer, Life Coach, or mere Consultant. Hallelujah!
But early yesterday morning I didn’t need a “refresher course” on the doctrine of the sovereignty of God, I needed something far more personal, intimate, and sensate. And you gave it. Until now, I’ve never really paid much attention to John’s description of the “emerald rainbow” that encircles your throne—not two halves of a bow, but the completed “circular-bow.” We only see a little bit of what’s really there. O how you used that lush green, complete circle of promise-and-fulfillment to kiss my heart at just the right time.
As I sat on my friend’s porch in Montana, the sky lit up with a golden reddish hue. And then the first hint of a rainbow emerged in front on me, shooting straight up from behind a distant ridge. But feeling your “nudge” to linger there, that little bow started growing and bending, reaching upward and to the right. Then, to its left, another bow “showed up.”
I was about ready to call it a “nice” moment, and move on to the next thing, when not audibly, but in a no less real way, I heard you say to my heart, “Scotty, there’s always more rainbow.” And sure enough, the rainbow(s) kept growing upward, with such rich color. Tears, peace, thankfulness, joy… they all came easy.
Jesus, rainbows are a profound sign-n-seal of your commitment to be fulfiller of every promise God has made (2 Cor. 1:20). And rainbows, like your promises, claim us; we don’t claim them. I (we) can rest in your faithfulness. I (we) deeply needed that yesterday. I (we) need that today, and will tomorrow. Thank you for that big “heart kiss” yesterday. Its sweetness lingers. So Very Amen.
