Monday, August 2, 2010

God is a Rainbow

Today's reading: Ezekiel 1-4

Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. Ezekiel 1:  28 NRSV

I love finding a rainbow in the clouds right after a rainstorm. There is something so hopeful and awe-inspiring in seeing those colors shining in a gray and blue sky. And I always want to share the rainbow sighting with someone else. It is never something I want to keep to myself, even if I am just taking a picture of it.

But I have never thought of God looking like a rainbow. Isn't that a wonderful image? God looking like a rainbow carries the same feelings of seeing a rainbow after a storm: hopefulness, awesomeness and something to be shared. To be truthful, the verse says the appearance of God's glory is like a rainbow, not that God looks like a rainbow. However, even knowing that God's glory is like a rainbow is comforting. In the midst of Ezekiel's rather frightening imagery of heaven in his vision, picturing a rainbow in the clouds brings a level of assurance rather than fear.

God, you bring us hope even while your glory fills us with awe. Help us to have the joy of finding a rainbow in the clouds when we come closer to you in our everyday lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

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