Forms of fire to test and inspire

THE dancing flames of a fire in a fireplace bring warmth, light and comfort on a cold winter’s night.

Fire has a refining quality to it, but if uncontrolled, it can be extremely destructive.

The presence of the Lord was revealed to Moses through a burning bush that was not consumed. The Israelites drew comfort from the pillar of fire that was present with them throughout their wilderness experience.

We cannot even begin to imagine what Mount Sinai must have looked like as described in Exodus 19:18. It says: “Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently.”

As gold is refined by fire, the genuineness of our faith is tested when trials and tribulations come our way.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were untouched by the fiery furnace because of the presence of the Fourth Man!

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me . . .” (Psalm 23:4).

The Bible also says that our works done on earth will be tested by fire.

The motive behind what we do will ultimately determine the quality of our works. Love must be the motivating force, for no matter what we do, if it is without love, we “gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3)..

“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body . . . (James 3:5, 6). Words!

“Burn in me fire of God, till I am wholly Thine; till every earthly part of me, glows with Thy fire divine.”