In 2020 there was widespread outrage in the UK when the rainbow flag was adopted as a sign of unity and support for the National Health Service in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic. The concern stemmed from a belief that this symbol somehow “belonged” to the LGBT “community”.
Even the flag’s creator, however, acknowledged the rich history that has been associated with the rainbow. The rainbow flag itself was first raised as a symbol of pride in 1978 by American political activist and designer Gilbert Baker. In his memoirs, Baker wrote:
“A Rainbow Flag was a conscious choice, natural and necessary. The rainbow came from earliest recorded history as a symbol of hope. In the Book of Genesis, it appeared as proof of a covenant between God and all living creatures.” (Rainbow Warrior)
The particular passage Baker refers to is Genesis 9 which gives the account of God’s promises to Noah following the Flood. In verse 11 God covenants with Noah to never again destroy the earth with a flood. In verse 12 God promises a sign that will be not just for Noah but all that will descend from him (all humanity), and in verse 13 we are told that God’s “bow in the cloud” will be that sign.
There is thus a hope that comes through this sign, but it is not hope as the world might understand it today. Hope is regularly associated with wishful longing and want, thus the hope that Baker and other’s speak of is a world in which their every desire will be met without fear of prejudice or judgment. It is indeed a hope that God is not listening, watching or even living.
Hope for the Christian however is something that is grounded in the promises of God. It is a confident longing for God to do as He has promised, that which is good and right. The hope of Genesis 9 arises from God’s promise to Noah and therefore to us that He will be merciful and gracious in judgement, not that there is no moral absolute or that we are free to do as our sinful nature may please.
The symbolism of the rainbow arose from one of the darkest periods of history, in which “every intention of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). The Flood itself stands as a reset in the creation narrative, the LORD starting over with Noah and his family. Yet, despite the wickedness and depravity of man, God has promised to prolong judgement, to bring relief from the storm. Matthew Henry writes,
“The rainbow appears when we have most reason to fear the rain prevailing; God then shows this seal of the promise, that it shall not prevail. The thicker the cloud, the brighter the bow in the cloud. Thus, as threatening afflictions abound, encouraging consolations much more abound.”
Should we be concerned then about the cultural appropriation of the NHS? Not at all. In fact it is fitting that in the midst of great tragedy and uncertainty, that the rainbow would still be raised above as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and longsuffering.
What then of the “Pride” movement? Again, it is worth remembering that this sign was given, not just to Noah but, to us all. That the bow would be set in the heavens in the midst of great wickedness and depravity should remind us all of the judgment to come and the hope that Christ extends to all who have faith in Him. It is a reminder to enter into that ark, to find refuge from the storm, and to rest on the mercy of Christ.
In Matthew 24 Jesus is quizzed by His disciples as to the signs of His return and the consummation of all things. In verses 36-37 Jesus says to his followers, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
We live in a day that is growing more like Noah’s with each passing moment. God is being driven from businesses, schools, even homes and churches. The LORD however remains merciful, and there will come a day soon where his judgment will arrive, and the new creation begin. Let the flag continue to fly then, but let us remind one another of God’s mercy and grace in Christ, that he would sustain us and cause us to look heavenward in the midst of the storms ahead.
In Him we hope,
Shane Gooch