October 11, 2023: Fire of God!

"Is not my Word like a fire, declares the Lord and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces." (Jer 23:28-29 ESV)

There are three basic understandings of fire in the Bible. One is judgment. The fire brought judgment upon people, cities, and nations. Fire separated humanity from the Tree of Life. "He drove out man...and placed a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the Tree of Life." Genesis 3:24. Sodom and Gomorrah were consumed by fire. Sin is a serious issue to God. The Bible is full of small sins that cost people greatly: hitting a rock with a stick, touching the ark, and lying about real estate profits.

The second understanding is cleansing. Fire symbolizes cleansing. Isaiah 6 reveals the temple filled with smoke and fire from the altar touching his lips. Malachi 3:2 speaks of God as a refiner's fire, purifying gold.

These two understandings reveal that the fire of God is to one person death and to another person life. What accounts for the difference? The condition of a man's heart makes all the difference in whether he will know judgment or cleansing.

A third understanding of the fire of God is presence. God's presence! In Acts 2, the fire of the Holy Spirit is seen over each of the heads of the 120 who were present in the upper room. In Hebrews 1:7, God says, "He makes His angels winds and His ministers a flame of fire. Fiery ministers make a great impact on people's lives! Fire of God, come! Judge, cleanse, and empower!