Prayer Journal
Thursday, July 6, 2000
The orchestra played "Sousa" while we renewed friendships and made new ones. Children played in the grass on the front lawn of the church and young people introduced "new" friends to their family. As the light of day retreated and the darkness replaced it, the anticipation grew.
Fireworks were planned once the darkness prevailed and every year it seemed the display of bursting color and explosions in the night sky proved better than the year before. Then, the announcement came, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Are you ready for fireworks?".
Everyone turned their chairs to point to the westward sky and applauded. Then, with the downbeat of the music, a tail of fire trailed the first display upward in the sky and exploded in a magnificent burst of color. Simultaneously, those around me noticed it. A beautiful moon was providing the perfect background to the display. It seemed as if God was adding his creation to the celebration by providing a foundation layer of paint to the dynamic canvas.
With every shot of fireworks in the air, it seemed as if we were taking shots at the moon. To the left, to the right, above and under - the fireworks showed a different and wonderful perspective and pattern of color to those below. With every explosion, the light dissipated and the residue of light gray smoke was moved off stage by the wind, as if it was God's curtain.
The moon was unchanged, as if unimpressed by the beautiful and thunderous display. I could almost hear creation saying, "Is that the best you can do?" Higher, louder and longer - the fireworks continued until the light display totally covered the moon by its brilliance. But again, the display faded, leaving the moon alone in the sky, shining brilliantly.
I remembered the moon was a stationary mirror of the light of the sun in the heavens. I pondered, "I too am a light reflector - of Jesus, the Son of God. When all the fancy displays and noisy distractions are over, will my light shine steady before men?"
The orchestra played "How Great Thou Art" and the final light and sound extravaganza lit up the heavenly canvas. At the completion of the display, the smoke cleared, we all applauded and God's handiwork stood there in the middle of the stage as if it was receiving the praise on behalf of the Creator. Faithful and steady, the moon was promising to be a night light until the morning sun would take over. Wow!
"How Great Thou Art, God. Thank you Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee for the wonderful production.Thank you Father for the brilliance of your Son - the Lord Jesus Christ." WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
