I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Genesis 9: 13

 SYMBOLS OF GOD'S POWER OVER SIN

The Bible is full of promises held out to anyone who will believe in God's power over sin. When the people of Israel were in the desert, they got tired of camping. They complained that there was not enough water or food. They were tired of eating manna and they said that it was worthless. They made fun of their leader Moses. God stopped protecting them from the desert snakes. Soon many people were getting bitten and were dying. When Moses prayed, He was asked to make a bronze serpent and put it on a cross. Anyone who looked and believed could be made well. The serpent symbolized sin. Jesus was made sin for us. As we look at what He has done for us, we can be made well from Satan's disease, guilt (Numbers 21: 6). When we follow the example of Jesus and are baptized, this shows the world that we plan to have Satan's disease cured. After baptism, we must keep this commitment alive by daily studying and giving our lives to God. Make this your first work every morning. As you take part in foot washing, you renew the symbol of baptism. We have looked at 4 symbols of God's power over sin: bronze serpent, cross, baptism and foot washing. Another one is the lamb. Look at Revelation 5: 6. The lamb that was killed had 7 horns and 7 eyes. Jesus has power to save from every sin and He can see everything.

SYMBOL OF PROMISE IN FULL TECHNICOLOR

The first rainbow recorded in the Bible happened after the terrible flood that destroyed all who refused to go into Noah's ark to be saved. In Genesis 9:8 God promised that a flood would never destroy the whole earth again. in the writings of Ellen White, there are over 150 references to the rainbow. In Desire of Ages p. 493, it says:

"The rainbow of promise encircling the throne on high is an everlasting testimony that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3: 16. It testifies to the universe that God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil. It is an assurance to us of strength and protection as long as the throne itself shall endure.

The rainbow also means that God hears our prayers and that He will answer them. It is an assurance of acceptance. It is assurance that God's wrath will not fall on one soul that seeks refuge in Him. It represents the combined power of Divine mercy and justice. God has promised to hear our cry. In the end times, there will be a rainbow around each group of people who are praying (Great Controversy, p. 347). The rainbow is also a symbol of grace and love.

God does not want us to become discouraged. He wants us to look up into the rainbow and have hope even when we walk through the dark valley of death. We must reflect this light to others and encourage them to look up.

SEED PROMISE

Inside each seed is a pocket full of the necessary nutrients to make a plant. The seed must have the right influences to grow. Water, electricity, light and a certain amount of warmth are needed for most plants. You can give these things to the seed, but you cannot make it sprout and grow. Only God can.

When Jesus told the story of the seeds, He wanted you to think and think about a secret meaning (Matthew 13: 31- 32).

He told a short story about a tiny mustard seed, He wanted you to think and think about a secret meaning (Matthew 13: 31- 32).

He told a short story about a tiny mustard seed. It looks like it is nothing. It is the smallest of all seeds. But when it grows it can get as big as a tree. Even birds like to make nests in its branches. When you listen carefully to what Jesus teaches and believe Him, your faith seed will sprout and grow into a plant. The only way you can help it sprout is to keep your eyes on Jesus. He provides the sprouting and growth. He waters the seed.

As your faith grows to the size of a tree, other people will find peace and happiness in being your friend. Your faith will encourage others.

Earthly governments work by physical force. They maintain their dominion by war; but as Jesus plants truth it grows into a new life. This life starts out small but grows to become a strong tree.

Only a small number of people followed the teachings of Jesus. At that point it was like the small mustard seed. Now, in the last days when the message of warning and mercy is going to every nation, there are many people who have the truth planted in their hearts. The group of believers is very large like the mustard tree.

SYMBOLS OF PROMISE IN GRAPES

When I see grapes or grape juice, I am reminded of a wonderful promise that Jesus made in Matthew 26: 29. Jesus promised that He would not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when He drinks it new in Heaven with us. In verse 29 Jesus said that grape juice symbolized His blood and together with the bread, represents the fulfillment of His Father's promise that Jesus would come and die for the sins of the world.

TOMBSTONE SYMBOL OF PROMISE

When I see a grave stone I think of the promise in 1Thessalonians 4: 14- 18 that those who died believing in Christ will be raised and taken with the believers which are still living when He comes. Together we will go to live with Jesus. Wouldn't you like to live with Jesus?