Enjoy Through the Finale

A customary part of the traditional Fourth of July celebration is a grand fireworks display. Most cities will put together a show full color, design and quite a bit of noise. In the area where my brother-in-law and his family live, there are numerous firework displays to enjoy. In addition to the shows put on by cities, many neighborhood associations and even individual families will set off some spectacular light shows. There is an annual display done by an association at a lake near their home. Because of the nearness of this display we need travel no farther than the back deck of their home to enjoy a spectacular scene.

As the sky darkens on the fourth, other activities wrap up and everyone heads outside. Comfortable chairs are chosen as the beautiful lights begin to grace the sky. This year fireworks could be seen in several directions. Excited citizens of the country that won its freedom to govern, live and worship as each sees fit, were expressing their joy through light shows. My neck actually began to hurt from jerking in all directions trying to take in all the beauty. I didn’t want to miss a thing but found more beautiful displays than I could possibly watch at one time.

At one point the air became a little chilly. I considered going into the house to get my sweater, but I knew that the finale was coming and I didn’t want to risk missing it by running inside. The best is always last and I could not allow a little discomfort to cause me to miss out on the greatest part.

There is a beauty in the sky that far surpasses anything seen in a fireworks display. God has shown His character and love in His creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1 AMP) King David knew this well. “When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established,” (Psalm 8:3 AMP) The apostle Paul refers to this display of glory as evidence of God’s presence in the earth. ^“For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],” (Romans 1:20 AMP)

Jesus spoke many times of His glorious return. It will be spectacular! “… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliancy and splendor]. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect (His chosen ones) from the four winds, [even] from one end of the universe to the other.” (Matthew 24:30b-31 AMP) In another passage He describes it this way. “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory (majesty, splendor) of His Father with His angels, and then He will render account and reward every man in accordance with what he has done.” (Matthew 16:27 AMP) Brilliance, majesty and splendor are words that attempt to describe the glory that is yet to come. What a sight that will be!

In addition to describing His glorious return, Jesus also warned of the possibility of missing it. “Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come.” (Matthew 25:13 AMP) and “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour and a moment when you do not anticipate it.” (Luke 12:40 AMP) We must not become distracted by anything and miss the glory that is soon coming. Daily life continues on with its joys, trials and routine activities. Although we must be diligent in all that we do, we cannot allow any of these things to distract from the presence of God around us. We acknowledge His presence as we continually enjoy His creation and look with great expectation at the glory that is yet to come when we see Him face-to-face.

Open your eyes to the glory of God that surrounds you every day. When things are difficult remember that the finale of His glorious return is coming. Look up!