Church: The Rainbow Community

At the Weekend Away of our congregation during the Ascension holidays we deliberated on the theme- Our Church: Called to be the Good News. One of the images that we discussed at length to define the church was that of the rainbow. We looked at Genesis 9 on the story of the first rainbow and some of the images that would help us redefine our ecclesiology to make the church relevant for our times need further reflection.

The basic aspects that we discussed about God based on the image of the rainbow (led by Julie and Leslie Nathaniel our speakers) included the rainbow as a Symbol of God’s revelation of his Presence and Promise manifest in the Covenant. We also looked at the communication of God, calling and conversation, commitment and commission and the companionship of God with the community. For our further reflection I would draw your attention to a few of these thoughts for a deeper look.

The Rainbow people affirms the Covenant between God and the Community

It was in the context of devastation and pain following a deluge that God enters a covenant with the remnant community. Covenant is always between two parties and here it is God taking the initiative in placing the rainbow as a sign and symbol of God’s promise that there would not be another annihilation like the one they have lived through. A Covenant brings in obligations and responsibilities on both sides and calls us to remember the covenant throughout the journey of life. To be a Covenant Community infers a responsibility to God and to each other. The rainbow has something mystic and ethereal about it in that it reminds one of God’s overarching care and oversight in the lives of people. When the going gets tough the rain bow reminds everyone, Remember God is still in control. It also reminds that the community has a responsibility to each other to be responsible.

The Rain-bow People celebrates Plurality

The colours are different, but the source and the essence are the same. Affirming difference and the space to each one that is different to form the whole is the essence of the rainbow. At the basic level we learnt that it was seven colours but then as we grew we learnt that the spectrum includes a wide range of colour combinations and infinite number of shades.

Being a covenant community, we affirm this plurality of differences but all together forming one beautiful whole that brings in hope and confidence to all those who behold it. The diversity and differences also vary according the one who perceives it. It could be a pointer to God is a symbol of inestimable diversity and that of the community of God which is marked by the beauty of differences.

The Church is called to celebrate the plurality of God. We know that the colour and source of light is the same and the difference is only in the way we behold it. One classic example is to study the images of the Lord’s supper from across the world. It is the same of Christ and his disciples that the various painters try to portray but each one is different and unique and has its own distinct beauty. All these can be Christ images and images of a meal with Christ. It is when we humble ourselves to allow another to view Christ’s image in an entirely different way and yet accept as intrinsic part of ours that we truly become the rainbow community.

The Rainbow people affirms Incompleteness without the Other

Imagine the seven rainbow colours painted out separately. They cannot be called the rainbow as long as they remain disjoint. But it is when they come together each in its own fullness of beauty and together offering a totality that we see the rainbow in its glory. Our heart leaps in the awe of wonder when we behold the rainbow in its fullness.

Another of the basic lessons the church learns herein is our incompleteness without the other. Each might be content and think they are complete without the other. But it is in the connectedness and togetherness with the other the completeness of the beauty of the rainbow is made manifest.

Of late the rainbow is being used as a strong symbol of the various ways sexuality is manifest in the lives of people and how they impact the gender constructs and expectations. Rainbow not only reminds us that each person is different but also urges us to be open enough to acknowledge that there are umpteen ways of how people would have their own experiences and expressions of their human sexuality.

We should never forget that the source of light is the same and the way light is seen and perceived by each person could be very different. This challenges each person not to be judgemental of normative.

The Rain-bow people affirm that storms do make way for the rainbow

History is replete with stories of destruction despite the covenant that they would no longer be destruction of life in its wholeness. Conflicts, wars, catastrophes, and disasters continue to affect lives of people. Several people go through turmoil and stormy patches. This is true in the life of families and communities, churches, and nations. Tear drops and anguish around storms continue to daunt people. But the good news is that the same rain drops makes it possible for us to understand the beauty of the rainbow and sometimes the double rainbow. It is when the storms recede that the rainbow is at its best.  This makes the covenant community a community of Hope.

The rainbow does not stay long, and it calls everyone to capture the moment. In the fast pace of life if you need to pause and take in the breathtaking beauty of a wonderful rainbow. In contexts of brokenness and in times of tears, it would be a worthy task to pause and look for a rainbow, it comes in when we do not expect it and is hard to find when we are desperate about seeking it.

Rainbows give us amidst storms a something to look beyond mindset.

The Rainbow people affirms the rainbow as a symbol of justice.

The simple and basic message of the rainbow as we read in Genesis 9. In v. 13-16 we read I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” The sign of the covenant is not only with humanity but with the entire creation. This therefore is a big call for God’s justice to prevail. All shades of campaigns for justice has therefore across time found the rainbow as a powerful symbol of solidarity. If we are to be partners with God to be the covenant community we should ensure that nothing that destroys life should be tolerated and every effort be made, no life is affected by human negligence or avarice. The church like the rainbow is called to be sign of Justice and hope to the entire world.

Conclusion

When John sees his heavenly vision it is significant that we read about a mention of the rainbow in Rev 4:3- And the one who sat there had the appearance of Jasper and Ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.

Each one of us are reminded that the church is called to be a rainbow community today and if we do so we would share in the glory of God in the future that God is preparing.

Vinod Victor

June 1, 2023