Visionary View: As Sparks Fly Up (5 November Bonfire Night Sermon) Series

Visionary View: As sparks fly up

On this 5th of November, a date celebrated in the United Kingdom for historical reasons, we gather in God’s presence, seeking wisdom and understanding from His Word.

May our time together be blessed and may God grant us insight into the message He has given us today.

Today I want us to explore a message from the book of Job that is of profound significance.

Job 5:7 is our guiding scripture today, and it contains a truth that resonates with the sparks that will fly in the sky during Bonfire Night celebrations.

Job 5:7 "People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire."

Point 1: The Universality of Trials

In Job's time, the sparks rising from a fire were a common sight, much like the fireworks that light up our night sky on the 5th of November.

In this verse, Eliphaz, a friend of Job, speaks these words and reminds us of a fundamental truth: trials and tribulations are a universal experience. Just as sparks naturally rise from a fire, so do troubles and challenges arise in the life of every person.

Imagine standing by a bonfire, watching as sparks shoot up into the dark night sky. Similarly, trials and tribulations are an inherent part of our human experience, rising unexpectedly like those sparks. They are as certain as the fireworks lighting up the night.

Psalm 34:19 (NLT) - "The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time."

The preacher Charles H. Spurgeon once said, "I am certain that I never did grow in grace one-half so much anywhere as I have upon the bed of pain."

Point 2: Understanding the Purpose of Trials

As we gather in the United Kingdom to celebrate this historic day, we must remember that trials are not random or meaningless. They serve a purpose in our lives, just as the 5th of November celebrations remind us of the Gunpowder Plot's significance.

Think of a blacksmith labouring over a piece of metal, subjecting it to intense heat and hammering. This process, though uncomfortable for the metal, shapes it into a useful and valuable tool. In the same way, trials can refine us, making us more aligned with God's purpose for our lives.

James 1:2-4 (NLT) - "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

The renowned preacher A.W. Tozer said, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply."

Point 3: Trusting God in the Midst of Trials

While trials are inevitable, our response to them matters greatly. Trusting God in the midst of trials is paramount, just as trust played a critical role in the Gunpowder Plot's discovery and prevention.

Imagine a sturdy tree standing tall in the midst of a fierce storm. The winds howl, and the branches sway, but the oak tree remains sturdy and unyielding. In the same way, when we face trials and challenges, our faith in God can be our firm foundation, enabling us to withstand the storms of life and emerge stronger on the other side.

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) - "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

The words of the preacher Charles Stanley, resonate with this point: "Trusting in God's plan means that even in the darkest moments, we keep moving forward, knowing that He is with us in the tunnel, leading us to the light on the other side."

Point 4: The Celebration of Deliverance

On this 5th of November, we commemorate the thwarting of the Gunpowder Plot, a celebration of deliverance from a great threat. In the same way, in our lives, we can celebrate the deliverance that comes from trusting God in the midst of trials.

Think about the joy and relief that filled the hearts of the people of England when they learned of the plot's prevention. In the same way, when we trust God through our trials, there is a celebration waiting for us on the other side—a celebration of deliverance, of God's faithfulness.

Psalm 32:7 (NLT) - "For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory."

The words of Martin Luther resonate with this point, "Everything that is done in the world is done by hope."

Embracing the Spark of Faith

As we conclude our exploration of Job 5:7, let us remember that trials and tribulations are an inherent part of our journey. They come to refine us, to test our faith, and to draw us closer to God. We must trust that God is with us in the midst of these challenges.