Fire
By Bethany
Issuing forth as a single spark.
Turning into a flame.
Flames joining together into one fire.
Running rampant, consuming the world.
The fire—Creating heat. Giving off light. Radiating energy.—draws us in. Takes us captive. Holds our attention.
Molecules and waves shooting rapid fire. Bouncing off of each other and creating the friction, the energy.
The life within.
“You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that ‘he’s a fiercely jealous lover.’ And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that ‘God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.’” James 4:4-6, The Message
“…And He has burned amidst Jacob like a flaming fire consuming all around.” Lamentations 2:3 Amplified
God’s all-consuming fire goes forth and burns up everything in its path. Nothing can withstand it!
I also love the verse in Revelation where it speaks of Jesus’ eyes being like flames of fire. Imagine looking into them. They say the eyes are the window of the soul, so I picture an intensely burning flame of passionate love inside of Jesus—passion for us as His bride.
In light of His radiant gaze our own motives would be seen. The holiness of His being would reveal our nature that falls so short of His glory. We would crumble at this realization. Seeing ourselves the way we are, warts and all, would be quite an experience. However, there is so much hope!! For in realizing how far short we fall we would then come to know this fire that would burn away the dross and impurities within us.
“Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will melt them [by the process of affliction to remove the dross] and test them, for how else should I deal with the daughter of My people?”
Jeremiah 9:7
“But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous].” Job 23:10
And so we become more like Him. Pure. Refined. Holy. Looking through the book of Psalms it is easy to see how David was enamored with the purity of God’s words, showing us how that the Word is tried and well refined. For us, trials and afflictions are a means to refine and purify. They teach us to lean on the One who already is pure. The One Who endures and lasts through all the ages. He Who is always secure, always true, never changing. Who always intensely loves us without end. May we always rest securely in this passionate love!
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a might flame.” Song of Solomon 8:6 NIV
Isn’t it in the rough times in life that we come to appreciate love so much? It’s sustaining power and continual presence give an abiding sense of security. Love gives us the strength to carry on. It keeps us sure-footed and stable, no matter what is going on.
Whatever your circumstances, keep holding onto the One Who promises never leave you nor forsake you, to be with you through the fires and the waters, to never fail you nor let you down. He is always present and offering you everything you need to make it through whatever you are facing, no matter how small it may seem.
Know that whatever is going on – be it an exhilarating mountaintop or somber valley – is intended to lead you closer to the One. Through trials, know that your heart is being tested and refined that you may grow in capacity to love Jesus, as we come to better understand His own sufferings. Let’s not forget Who gives us the good times, too. Through it all give praise and thanks. No matter what.
Let the Fire go forth and do its work. May it create in us all life, energy, and passion for Him and His Kingdom in return.
