Friday, July 19, 2019

Fireworks - The Lord Works


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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