Reading 5 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Thursday, September 18, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Genesis 9:8–17

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (NRSVUE)

Reflection

After the floodwaters receded, God made a covenant with Noah, his descendants, and every living creature. Never again would God destroy the earth by flood. The sign of this promise was the rainbow, a covenant of color arching across the sky and serving as a visual reminder of God’s unfailing promise of divine faithfulness. 

The rainbow also is a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. A banner of visibility, dignity, and belonging. It’s appropriate because God’s covenant was with all flesh. Not just the righteous, the straight, or the chosen few, but for each living creature. The rainbow poignantly symbolizes inclusion that doesn’t discriminate or exclude but radiates purely. 

If you’ve ever felt outside the bounds of faith or been told your identity puts you beyond God’s reach, simply look to the rainbow. It’s not just a meteorological phenomenon but a divine declaration that none shall be cast out for being who they are: part of God’s promise. The rainbow underscores that God’s mercy reigns larger than human judgment, and God’s covenant with us is wider than any doctrine. This song, familiar to all ages and sung by 2,000 distinct choristers, reminds us of that certainty.  

Prayer

God of every color, thank you for the rainbow — your promise of mercy and inclusion. Help us see its beauty not just in the sky, but in each other. May we be people of covenant and compassion. Let your love stretch across our lives like a rainbow. Radiant and true. Amen. 

Written by Tim Schellhardt, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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