What does a rainbow symbol mean to you?
In modern American culture, chances are high that you associate the rainbow with so-called LGBT pride.
But the rainbow was originally God’s gift to Noah – a promise of His mercy and protection after a world-destroying flood.
As a Christian, it can be frustrating to see a symbol of God’s love appropriated to represent a variety of lifestyles that oppose His law.
But one organization is boldly reclaiming the rainbow as a reminder of God’s presence in our world.
Ark Encounter, located in Williamstown, Kentucky, boasts a full-size Noah’s Ark replica. And the ark is now lit full-time by beautiful rainbow lights!
Ken Ham, the founder of Ark Encounter, is a committed Christian apologist and has upheld the reliability of the Scriptures and the truth of creation in public circles for a number of years.
The Ark Encounter focuses on helping visitors understand the Biblical tale of Noah’s Ark.
Exhibits at the Ark Encounter explain how the Ark was built, how all the animals fit inside, the life of Noah, and much more.
One of the most memorable parts of Noah’s Ark story in Genesis is God’s gift of the rainbow.
When Noah and his family first stepped onto dry land when the Flood had ended, God painted a rainbow across the sky as a reminder of the covenant He was making with Noah.
“The waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh,” God promised (Genesis 9:15).
The rainbow’s symbol was meant to be passed down throughout the generations of humanity as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and mercy.
Over the past several decades, though, the rainbow has become a worldwide symbol of the so-called LGBT movement.
One gay activist, Gilbert Baker, is primarily responsible for this appropriation.
When asked to create a flag for the 1978 Pride Parade in San Francisco, Baker settled on the rainbow design for various reasons.
“The rainbow … fits our diversity in terms of race, gender, ages, all of those things,” Baker argued, speaking of the members of the homosexual community.
The homosexual movement has indeed grown since 1978. People of all ages and races, from all over the world, have adopted the rainbow as their rallying cry for inclusion and acceptance.
The rainbow flag is a familiar sight in many American cities these days, especially on the heels of Gay Pride Month celebrations in June.
Rather than being a reminder of God’s mercy — and in the same vein, His justice on the sinful world of Noah’s time — the rainbow has become an assurance of acceptance for sin.
Establishments that fly the rainbow flag purport to be sanctuaries and “safe spaces” for LGBT people.
When Baker reflected on the reasons behind the rainbow flag, he added, “It’s a natural flag — it’s from the sky!”
It’s distressing that Baker and many other members of the LGBT movement have attributed the rainbow as from the sky instead of its Maker.
What Baker fails to realize is that the rainbow, like all other natural phenomena on our planet, only exists because of God.
The same God who made the rainbow made all the members of the homosexual community, but many of them ignore His existence and push Him away, claiming that His standards are “intolerant” and “hateful” toward their desires.
How much God must hurt when His creations turn to a life of sin!
And how discouraging it can be for us, His people, to see such a beautiful symbol appropriated for a sinful purpose.
That’s why Ark Encounter is lighting up Noah’s Ark in all the colors of rainbow – “to remind the world that God owns it,” as Ken Ham says.
As God’s people, we shouldn’t be afraid to remember the rainbow’s original purpose and meaning. God is still watching over His world!
No matter how many rainbow flags are flying today, God is still in control. His mercy endures for a world in pain, and He is willing to forgive a multitude of sins, including ours.
So, the next time you see a rainbow flag, remember what the rainbow means!
And praise God for His mercy. Thank Him that He’s still in control of all things, and ask Him to show mercy and bring redemption to the homosexual community.
