Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
New International Version (NIV)
“Where’s the fire?” Sooner or later we get a healthy respect for fire. Whoever discovered it did not create it. So often when God appeared in the Old Testament he revealed himself in fire. Remember the pillar of fire which guided and guarded the Hebrew children.
No wonder the writer of Hebrews returns to this image when he calls the first century Christians to worship with reverence and awe. Fire consumes. It never compromises.
Where did we lose the fire? Christianity has become innocuous in our day. We can be like the faux fireplaces people buy to create the appearance of fire. But the Christian life is not finally about appearances. Richard Rolle wrote about fire filling his heart when he began to fall in love with Jesus. John Wesley felt his heart strangely warmed at Aldersgate.
If our hearts are cold, no fireplace can warm them today. Let us not grow cold in our love for God as some have. The flame of God’s love enveloping us today reminds us that we are far from consumers when it comes to God. We are consumed by him. He is the fire.
Pray with me:
Father, with Amy Carmichael we pray, “Make us your fuel flame of God.” Burn off all the dross, until we come through your fire shining and pure. Fill us with awe today. Do not let us take your amazing love for granted for a second. Give us the reverence of your people through the ages, so that we live with a holy hush, not endlessly chattering about ourselves. Let us be consumed with you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we! Joyfully, Duane
Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved.
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