This year we had the chance to marvel once again at the fireworks. It is always a thrill to watch and be entertained by the vibrant, colorful lights and sound-bursts that fill the sky. Indeed, it has become a global tradition to display well-crafted fireworks as we hit midnight, the 31st of December, to greet the New Year. If even for a momentary bliss . . .
The Chinese invented fireworks. It was believed that the loud bursts of fireworks would drive away evil spirits and so make room for the good spirits that bring blessings of wealth.1 To this present day, sadly many still believe it. For there exist a daily internal noise, the lies we have become accustomed with and have accepted. Many have adopted a quick fix to suppress their internal noise through entertainment, substance abuse, wrong relationships, busyness, things—the list goes on in varying gradients.
Our self-indulgence only exacerbates this internal noise. For the fix is never quick nor found in anything but a Savior. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.2 We are short changed because of our ignorance and our refusal to know the truth.3 For the truth hurts our pride.
“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”. . .4
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. . . .5
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my words, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . . . So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.6 If you believe in the finish work of Jesus, you are now in Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.7 Now, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit8 and empowered.9 By grace you are now able to go through a process of transformation. Yes, choose to replace the lies with truth!
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.10
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. . . . If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.11 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father . . . . I am praying for them, I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.12 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.13
My prayer for you is to abound and prosper for the glory of Jesus this 2023. If you have not chosen to surrender your life to Jesus, I ask the Holy Spirit to grant you a revelation of God’s unconditional love for you and gain a good understanding of the fear of the LORD as you study the Scripture. AMEN!
Notes:
a. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
1. What do fireworks traditionally represent? https://www.google.com/search?sa=X&rlz=1C1ONGR_enPH956PH956&sxsrf=ALiCzsbNTUORrQuLBL-bxPdJaQ80eEy3YQ:1672549333839&q=What+do+fireworks+traditionally+represent%3F&ved=2ahUKEwjSoqbny6X8AhV67TgGHaSnDRoQzmd6BAgXEAU&biw=1536&bih=722&dpr=1.25
2. John 10:7, 10
3. Romans 1:18-25
4. Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 [NIV]
5. Psalm 127:1-2
6. John 8:31-36
7. 2 Corinthians 5:17
8. Ephesians 1:13
9. Acts 1:8
10. Romans 12:1-2
11. John 15:5-7
12. John 17:1-9
13. John 17:17
