An Olive Leaf Hope

John Everett Millais, The Return of the Dove to the Ark

Genesis 8:8-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. 9 But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. 10 And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. 11 Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. 12 So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore.

2 Timothy 3:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 6:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

We Christians have gotten upset over what appears to be a hijacking of the rainbow, the symbol of God's judgment and His promise.  While it truly is a promise from God and not a symbol of pride; the rainbow has been hijacked before, any child who grew up eating Lucky Charms can attest to that, and will be again.  Knowing this, we should continue to teach the true meaning of that bow in the sky to our children and our children's children.  

So tonight I will consider the dove and the hope it bring with that olive leaf in its mouth.  The branch meant the waters would recede; this time of trial and testing would soon be over; they would leave the ark; they would walk on dry land.  If you are floundering in the midst of great waters, look up; your deliver is coming.

Rich Mullins & The Ragamuffin Band - "My Deliverer..."