Today’s Daily Bread ~ Fireworks

Isaiah 45:22-23 – “Let all the world look to me for salvation!  For I am God; there is no other.  I have sworn by my own name, and I will never go back on my word:  Every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to my name.”

For some reason, I’ve never been all that into fireworks.  It’s not that I don’t like them – I do.  I’m just never one to seek them out.  My Fourth of July celebrations lack nothing when it’s just me, Mike, the kids and some friends grilling.  We could go see the display or not, and when left up to me, I usually opt for not.

Now I will certainly admit that when I do sit and watch a fireworks show, I can’t look away.  I “ooh” and “ahh” with the best of them.  They really are spectacular.  I never really want to go but I’m always glad I did.

I know someone who hasn’t declared any particular religious belief.  But one night at a party, this person and I were sitting outside, looking up at the most magnificent, starry sky you’ll ever see in North Texas.  And they said to me, “You know, looking at this really makes you think that there’s gotta be something more.”  Oh yes.  I know.

We are all part of God’s great and mysterious plan, and we all glorify Him; whether we’re trying to or not.  We either do it by witnessing, worshiping, and crediting all glory to God, or we do it by being an example of His grace and justice. 

Romans 8:28 is God’s ultimate trump card.  “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them,” writes the Apostle Paul.  Let’s break that down:  God causes EVERYTHING to work together FOR THE GOOD of those who love Him.  It’s not a contest.  It’s not “one point for God,” on one thing and “one point for Satan” on another.  When we let Him in and let Him heal us…He works EVERYTHING for the good of those who love Him.  Every little thing.

Perhaps you have heard of Dallas Weins.  Mr. Weins was the victim of a horrible accident that left Him without a face.  A power line fell on him while he was working at a Fort Worth church, and quite remarkably, there was no brain damage at all.  Just a horrific burn.  And Dallas’ faith has not wavered.  He has started a charity – “About Face,” hoping to help other burn victims like himself.  He also hopes to be able to tell his story and encourage others.  Dallas is glorifying God, and God is glorifying Dallas.

Jesus is coming back.  All other prophesies in the Bible regarding Jesus have come true.  This one, spoken from the mouth of our Messiah Himself, will not be the one exception.  Then every knee will bow.  Every tongue will confess Him as Lord, whether they do now or not.  Our mission is to reach the unbelievers while there is still time, for God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9).  Because the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief.  Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and everything in them will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be exposed to judgment (2 Peter 3:10).

I can’t help but look in wonder at a fireworks show.  In much the same way, the nations will drop to their knees on the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.  Some in an ecstatic state of worship; others in grief and shame.  But all will worship Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that, through Your Holy Spirit, You would empower us to do the work You have set before us.  We love You so very much, God.  Help us reach an unbelieving world.  Lord, we know that the only way we can win them over is to love them like You do.  To turn the other cheek, to forgive, to shower them with grace and to serve them, just like Jesus washed His disciples’ feet.  We can’t do this on our own, Lord.  Please give us the hearts to love them like You do, and the eyes to see them as You do.  They are like lost children, God.  Place the opportunity before us, and give us the words.  God, we thank You in advance for the amazing work You will do through us.  We pray these things in the blessed, holy name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.