Ever since the founding of our nation, fireworks have been part of the celebration of the anniversary of our nation’s independence.  John Adams promoted July Fourth celebrations “from one end of the American continent to the other  from this time forward forever more”.  But, fireworks displays originated in England among royalty to celebrate combat victories, in plays and pageants honoring national events, in coronations and even weddings.  Queen Elizabeth I was so fond of fireworks that she commissioned a royal “Fire Master of England” to coordinate shows.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us in II Peter 3 about the end of the world as we now know it.  Peter refers to how the earth in the past was destroyed by the waters of the Flood in the days of Noah.  He said that the world as we know it will one day be destroyed by the fire of God’s judgment and the eternal punishment of ungodly people.  But, on the other hand, he stresses the fact that God is not wiling that anyone should perish, but come to repentance.

 Peter said that what he calls the “day of the Lord” will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall pass away with a great heat, and the earth and all that is in it shall be burned up.  No fireworks display on July Fourth will be nearly as spectacular as what will be on display on the day of the Lord.

Peter points out that because all these things shall occur, it is quite important that the people of this world should live holy and godly lives. If people fail to do so, they will suffer the very same fate that people suffered in the days of Noah when they perished in the Great Flood.  But if people are looking forward to the coming of the day of the Lord, they will be privileged to see new heavens and a new earth, which will be filled with righteousness.

Fireworks displays are normally available to see at different locations during the Fourth of July celebrations in any particular year, and they can be very enjoyable and spectacular to see.  But the fireworks that will be on display on the day of the Lord will not be at all enjoyable to those who are not looking with anticipation for the day of the Lord to appear.  So, the only wise and sensible choice is to be ready and prepared for that great day. This means we should have our sins forgiven and invite Jesus to come and live in our lives.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.