The Declaration of Independence
And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” 1 Kings 18:36-39
“It will be celebrated by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” – John Adams on the Declaration of Independence by the 13 Colonies
The “illuminations” that John Adams referred to here were fireworks. By the time of the American Revolution, spectacular displays of fireworks had already become a popular way to celebrate national events.
If you are looking for a reference to gunpowder-type fireworks in the Bible, I know of none. If you are looking for an unforgettable example of fire in the sky, look no further than Elijah and his face-off with the priests of Baal on Mt. Carmel. Remember it on your way home from that July 4th fireworks display this week. And remember to pray that God would turn the hearts of many in our nation back to Himself.
When in power He comes,
Oh, may our native land
From all its rending tombs
Send forth a glorious band,
A countless throng,
For aye to sing
To heaven’s high King
Salvation’s song.
The Lutheran Hymnal, 575:5