FIREWORKS – LORD WORKS
Personally, I enjoy
watching fireworks. Besides the
magnificence of the color combinations and the excitement involved, I see them
as a good symbol of the work of the Holy
Spirit in the hearts
of God’s people.
Consider these facts:
1) Fireworks are made by someone; 2)They do not ignite themselves; 3) When they
explode they give off light; 4) Often the sparks continue to ignite each other
and finally; 5) When no longer in contact with their source, they burn out.
It is the Holy
Spirit, who produces the faith in the life of a Christian – new life, as it
were. As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “We
are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works. He works through the Word and Sacraments to
cause us Christians to be fired up in service and to show God’s glory that
others may see and believe. Yet, when no
longer connected to the source of power, Christians can “burn out” and no
longer reflect God’s glory in their lives.
This latter fact is a warning to us as God’s people.
When we neglect
hearing God’s Word and receiving the sacrament of His body and blood, our
spiritual life can “burn out” and we can easily be lead into despair. Satan uses every means possible, including
the world and our own sinful flesh, to draw us away from owning the eternal
life given us in Christ’s death and resurrection.
As we enjoy the many
blessings God has given us in life, including also the privilege of living in
the freedoms we celebrate again on the 4th of July, may we never
forget the freedom from eternal hell, purchased by God’s grace through Jesus
Christ. May our enjoyments of life never
interfere with staying in contact with the Word and Sacrament offered each
Sunday. God wants us to worship Him and
not become “burned out” on knowing the importance of eternal life in Him and
reflecting His message of salvation to others.
Have a blessed summer
in the Lord.
Pastor Jim
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