Is there a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Let’s explore what the Bible says. In Genesis a man named Noah was told by God to build a large boat. Noah built that boat and he, along with his family was spared, as were all the animals he had gathered on his boat. It is a favorite biblical account.

I think the importance of the story occurs when the waters begin to recede after the flood. It’s found in Genesis chapter 9, verse 8-15 when God comes to Noah and his family and makes a promise to them. This is important because it tells us that every time we see a rainbow it is more than sunlight refracting through water vapor. It is a reminder of God’s covenant. It is a reminder of God’s love. It is a reminder that no matter how disappointed God may become with humanity, never again will the event of the great flood be repeated. My guess is that in our materialistic culture most people who see a rainbow think of the pot of gold that supposedly is at the end of the rainbow rather than God’s promise. And that’s a shame because God’s promise is worth far more than a pot of gold.

Besides, according to popular legend, a mischievous mythical creature called a leprechaun guards this pot of gold. If it’s discovered the leprechaun tricks the person out of the gold. For instance, one time there was a man who found the pot of gold buried in a field of shrubs. He needed to get a shovel, so he tied a red ribbon on the bush. The man made the leprechaun promise him not to take the ribbon off the bush. Convinced that he was smarter than the leprechaun, he came back and found that the leprechaun tied a red ribbon to every bush in the field.

God has made a covenant with us. If you could remind yourself of that truth every time you see a rainbow, it will help you deal with every aspect of your life. The rainbow is just one symbol of the covenant. The cross is an even more significant symbol of the covenant.

In Christian history the practice of Lent is a time when we prepare for reflecting on Jesus’ death and resurrection. A pastor is always thrilled when people attend worship each Sunday. Yet the danger of only attending on Sundays is that we miss the Holy Week experience: Palm Sunday we sing “Hosannas!” Easter Sunday we proclaim, “He is risen!” Those who journey through the Lenten season will experience Easter with an increased appreciation for who God is and what God has done for us. And the joy of Resurrection, as well as the promises of eternity, will not be soon forgotten. They are part of the covenant and better than a pot of gold.

REV. JOHN MOXLEY can be reached at Jmoxley1@juno.com