Is your life like a flame of fire?

Fire is a good thing when used for good reasons. Otherwise, it can be very destructive. Fire can kill and really destroy. But the Bible tells us that "God makes his servants flames of fire" (Hebrews 1:7). What do you think about that?

There are a few stories about fire in the Bible, but I will highlight just three of them. The first one is that of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. We are told in Genesis 19 that fire was used to destroy these two cities. Another story, but this time with a different side of the use of fire is the confrontation of Elijah with the priests of Baal (1 kings 18). This time, fire was not used to destroy, but to burn the sacrifice, which was prepared for an offering. Later, in the book of Acts (now in the New Testament), you read the pentecost story in chapter 2. Tongues of fire descended upon the 120 disciples who were gathered in the upper room.

What do we see here? I believe three things come to mind when you think of our opening statement: "God makes his servants flames of fire."
1. Fire is a symbol of delivrance. Everything that is temporary is destroyed. We are only left with eternal stuff. Divine things are the ones that can withstand fire. Gold is purified through fire.

2. Fire is a sign of revival and repentance. The story of Elijah and the priests of Baal told us that when fire came down to burn the sacrifice, all the Israelites came back to their God. They all renounced Baal and returned to the One who made them. When our life is like a flame of fire, everywhere we go, there will always be a sense of repentance and revival around us. Our words, actions and ways of living will expose the truth of the Gospel, and thus bring people back to Christ.

3. Fire is a sign that we are not alone. God's nature has been placed in us. It means that we are filled with God, God's Spirit to the point that it is not we who live, but Jesus Christ. So often we are scare to do God's stuff. All this is as a result of Failing to acknowledge that God is the One doing all in all. We choose to stay however in our comfort zone because of fear instead of moving into the faith zone. There it is no longer going to be about us, but God alone.

Now, as you have read this, rise and life knowing that God has made you a flame of fire in your marriage, family, at your school, at work, at the mall, in your community, everywhere you go. And be assured that, you are never alone as you move from your comfort zone to the faith zone where God has been waiting for you.

Be blessed and always of good courage!

Emmanuel