FIREWORKS

 

He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. - Matthew 12:39

Americans are fascinated by fireworks. From the kind you buy at road side stands and ignite in your drive way, to the six figure extravaganzas that light up the night skies over celebrations, baseball games, and outdoor concerts.  They will endure mosquito-infested riversides, bumper-to-bumper traffic, political speeches, a high-priced concerts in order to share in the experience.  They will talk about it for weeks ahead and days afterwards.  And no matter what the venue or what precedes it, fireworks always seem to be a good show, worth the "price" of admission.

Unless, of course, you are in San Diego, California on July 4, 2012 when the fireworks show, albeit as spectacular as any, is over in fifteen seconds. I suspect that a whole lot of people had their day "ruined" by the computer glitch that ignited the entire show at once.

But fireworks are like that even if they last longer.  Even at best they are over in 25-30 minutes.  They may attract your "ahs" and "ohs," but when it's over what you are left with is a night sky, smoking drifting away, a strain in your neck - and only a  memory.  It may be a powerful memory, but somehow the night sky is not quite the same if your has been filled with these spectacular pyrotechnics.

People seem to always want fireworks before they believe.  And often those fireworks more resemble the fizzled ones in San Diego--over in a hurry and soon forgotten.  Jesus said our desire for spiritual fireworks was more a symbol of our sinfulness than our righteousness. A desire for entertainment rather than life transformation.

Ultimately he gave a most spectacular sign--the sign of Jonah--the Resurrection from the Dead.    Curiously, even that sign does not seem to move many of us faith or keep us in the faith during difficult and dry times.

The sign we should really be seeking is the love of God at work unconditionally and unrestrained in our lives.  When we see God at work within us--that's the sign we should we seeking and trusting and sharing.

(C) 2012 by STEPHEN L. DUNN