Thoughts by the Fire
Recently, I wrote an article entitled, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and I discussed the occurrences of cold in the Bible. Well, it is still cold here in Missouri (below freezing). So, I am keeping the fire blazing to stay warm! I want to share with you my “Thoughts by the Fire”. The scriptures speak of keeping warm by the fire. Peter warmed himself by the fire in Mark 14:54 and the inhabitants of Melita as a show of kindness kindled a fire to warm Paul and those who had been shipwrecked (Acts 28:1-2). Fire can be such a blessing. I have good memories of being around it with family and friends. I am certain that the disciples never forgot being near the fire with Jesus and sharing fish and bread (John 21:9). Today, let’s take a gander at a few of the instances where the Bible speaks of fire.
Thoughts by the Fire
The Bible itself is referred to as a fire. Jeremiah, sharing the Word each day in a Jerusalem soon to be destroyed came to be mocked and treated poorly because of his proclamations. He decided not to share God’s revelation anymore, however, it was a “burning fire shut up” in his bones. Jeremiah couldn’t keep it in! God later says through Jeremiah “Is not my Word like as a fire?” I think the prophet would agree.
Fire was actually used to communicate in at least two occurrences within scripture. First, Moses was drawn to a burning bush, in which an angel of the Lord spoke to him. Second, the voice of God came from fire upon Mt. Sinai with Israel fresh from Egypt camped below. Of course, communication by fire is not the norm. That being the case, the fact that fire can also cause great fear is not surprising. When Israel saw and heard the voice from the fire on Mt. Sinai they were terrified and did not want to see that fire anymore for fear of death.
On the other side of fear, fire for many is a form of comfort. When the children of Israel were led out of Egypt, by night they could see the presence of God in a pillar of fire. You could literally say that God was their light. Throughout all their journeys in the wilderness, God was there. When Solomon built the temple, though it was not God’s intention for it to be built, fire came down and the Glory of the Lord filled the temple. This caused Israel to bow faces to the ground and worship and praise God saying “For He is good; for his mercy endureth forever.” How comforting to know that God was among them. When the servant of Elisha was concerned about being surrounded by horses and chariots, Elisha prayed that the servant’s eyes be opened. God answered that prayer, and the man could see the Lord’s chariots of fire filling the mountain. Now that is assurance! Fire is even used in the New Testament as a sign of comfort. The apostle Paul speaks of providing food and drink even to an enemy. Additionally, he mentions providing coals of fire (which were carried in a ceramic container upon the head) to care for that person in giving them a source to create their domestic fire.
The Old Testament speaks frequently about the fire used for the many sacrifices of Israel. The fire upon the altar consummating the offering to God. Outside of the camp of Israel, the sin offering of the bull would be carried and then in a clean place burned with fire. Within and outside of the walls of Jerusalem, the fires reminded the people of God and His Graciousness toward them. The thought of fire and sacrifice harkens back to the second mention of fire in the Bible. Abraham was instructed by God to offer His son Isaac upon an altar. Scripture says ”And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand and a knife; and they went both of them together.” Of course, God would provide another offering in this type through the sacrifice of Christ for all mankind; but what a powerful initial example to Israel about devotion to God this example sent.
The first mention of fire in scripture was used to show God’s judgment. Due to the sinful state of Sodom and Gomorrah, God rained fire and brimstone down upon them from heaven. God’s judgment is often shown in scripture by the use of fire. Fire was utilized in the plagues upon Egypt. Nadab and Abihu were destroyed with fire from heaven due to their disobedience to God. Complaining from Israel fueled God’s anger toward them, and many were consumed by fire. God commanded frequently throughout the Old Testament that idols and false Gods were to be destroyed by fire as well. Significantly, Jerusalem was destroyed by the fire of the Chaldeans in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:9, Jeremiah 37:8) and it was prophesied to be destroyed in the same manner in 70 AD (Zephaniah 1:18, Luke 3:16). Both occurrences could have been avoided if Israel would have clung to God and honored him through deeds of repentance, but they refused. Though these earthly judgments are terrifying displays of God’s power, a greater judgment waits for all mankind. Matthew 18:8, 25:41, and Jude 1:7 all speak of an eternal fire to come punishing those whose hearts would not turn to God.
There are many uses and instances of the word fire in the Bible. Its impact can range from the pleasant to the horrifying. Its flame can be a blessing or an eternal curse depending on the heart of man. The wrath of God burns like a fire, but he will not hide it forever (Psalm 89:46). This fiery anger of God will come upon those whose heart has departed from Him (Jeremiah 17:4-5). Let’s let our thoughts by the fire examine whether our hearts are turning dark and cold. May we all kindle a flame of repentance, love, and honor to God before it is eternally too late.