Have you ever had the Lord zone in on a word for you to study? When that happens to me, I believe it is to show me what He wants to grow in me, develop in me, and possibly even what He is doing in the world. That’s the case with the word “fire”.
The first use of “fire” in the Bible was when God rained down fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24. That word “fire” means “a supernatural fire”. The fire was sent to destroy the place where sin was abundant.
Psalm 66:10 and 12 talk about a fire that refines us. The word “fire” also means “altar fire” as a place of sacrifice. This fire burns off the dross like silver. Silver is pure when you can see your reflection. Therefore, God allows fire in our lives to purify us so we reflect Him. He brings upon us a supernatural fire that purifies us so that we can reflect His likeness. We may ourselves in the altar and allow Him to burn off anything that doesn’t look like Him.
But then there is also Luke 24:32 that says “Did not our hearts burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures?” That word “burn” means “to set on fire”.
Here’s my encouragement for you:
God wants to burn up any sin in your life. Sun has got to go if you want to truly surrender your life to the Lord. INVITE Him to do so. What He says needs to go, lay it down at His feet. Confess your sin and repent. Change your mind that changed your behavior.
God wants to burn off all flesh in your life. He wants to purify you so that you will become what He originally created you to be. He also wants you to accurately represent Him on this earth as His ambassador. Be INTENTIONAL to let Him burn off the dross, so that you can reflect Him authentically.
God wants to burn within you. He wants you to burn with such a passionate love for Him, and love for His presence that then pours out love on others. The disciples who walked in the presence of Jesus had hearts that were filled with a passionate fire, a burning for more. “Set a fire down in my soul that I can’t contain that I can’t control. I want more of You God. I want more of You God.”(Jesus Culture) Be INFLAMED by experiencing God’s presence at all times and watch a new kind of passion growing within you.
The key to burning for God is allowing Him to burn up sin and burn off flesh as you walk with Him and remain in His presence.
God is calling the Church to receive the fire….all aspects of the fire: the burning up of sin, the burning away of flesh, and the burning passion within to unconditionally love others. Invite the fire. Receive the fire.
Oh Father God, that You would burn up all flesh and all sin within me. Burn away the dross that doesn’t belong. And burn within me a roaring fire that cannot be quenched in my love for You and for others. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.