Ancient Words For Today - 56
I remember going to fireworks displays with my parents when I was a child. I was amazed and thrilled by the grandiose explosion of vivid and sparkling colors bursting upon the dark night sky, each in turn overpowering the previous one as it faded. The powerful roar of the explosions caused vibrations in my body. It was awesome and exciting. When an especially beautiful one would fill the sky I would point to it and and ask my parents if they had seen it too. The best part was the finale when so many fireworks exploded simultaneously and closely in succession that the light never faded and every color imaginable was displayed at once and the noise was overpowering: it was glorious. But, just as suddenly as it all had started, the noise ended, the paling colors disappeared from sight, the smoke drifted away in the wind, and darkness returned. This left a sad feeling that what had been so spectacular and exhilarating was now ended.
Growing up I experienced that many things which caught my eye, drew my attention and sparked my desire to have them, could produce short-term enjoyment but not long-lasting satisfaction. They were like the fireworks: a bright flash in the night but then were dissipated - the brightness faded and they did not endure. But one day, when I was 30, I discovered a bright and shining light that will never be extinguished: I found Jesus Christ, who is my savior and Lord!!
In him (Jesus) was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:4-14
We are told in the holy scriptures that the things of this world are temporary, not eternal. But the glory of the Lord, our God, shall endure forever. Therefore we are instructed to keep our minds upon the things of God that will endure forever.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:18
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1 John 2:15-17
May God's grace be upon you, as He guides you, illuminates your pathway, and prospers you in all that you do.