Consuming Fire
Consuming Fire
Jon Mitchell
Recently I was driving down the road and noticed lots of smoke coming from behind a house. As I approached the home, I saw flames probably 10 feet high and was immediately concerned. As I passed the house, I was relieved to discover that it was a large bonfire intentionally set by the homeowners (a little too close to the house if you ask me). Other drivers were also slowing down, observing the fire. This illustrates something we have long known—fire draws people's attention.
Throughout the scripture fire often represents God’s manifest presence, God’s power, and God’s purity. Why? Partly because fire draws people’s attention. In Exodus 3 Moses encounters God in the fire of the burning bush. In 1 Kings 18 we see the fire of God come and consume the burnt offering and display his presence to the prophets of Baal. In Hebrews 12 we’re told that our God is a consuming fire. In Revelation 1 we see Jesus on fire from head to toe (read verses 12-16). I have known many people throughout my ministry who are spiritually “on fire.” Their attention was drawn to the fire of God’s presence, oftentimes through a significant moment that led to a personal reviving encounter with God. In repentance, they allowed God to consume them, and ultimately that has allowed God to use them. As they have burned, it has drawn people’s attention towards God.
We don’t have to wait to be consumed by the fire of God’s presence. If we will humble ourselves, allow the Holy Spirit access to the hidden places of our hearts, repent from sin, we can trust that God wants to consume us and set us on fire with his reviving presence.
Father, today consume me and use me. Purify me with the fire of your presence. Empower me with the fire of your presence. When people look at the fire within me, let them see You. Let them be drawn to your power and presence within me, and catch the fire of your presence.
Jon Mitchell
Recently I was driving down the road and noticed lots of smoke coming from behind a house. As I approached the home, I saw flames probably 10 feet high and was immediately concerned. As I passed the house, I was relieved to discover that it was a large bonfire intentionally set by the homeowners (a little too close to the house if you ask me). Other drivers were also slowing down, observing the fire. This illustrates something we have long known—fire draws people's attention.
Throughout the scripture fire often represents God’s manifest presence, God’s power, and God’s purity. Why? Partly because fire draws people’s attention. In Exodus 3 Moses encounters God in the fire of the burning bush. In 1 Kings 18 we see the fire of God come and consume the burnt offering and display his presence to the prophets of Baal. In Hebrews 12 we’re told that our God is a consuming fire. In Revelation 1 we see Jesus on fire from head to toe (read verses 12-16). I have known many people throughout my ministry who are spiritually “on fire.” Their attention was drawn to the fire of God’s presence, oftentimes through a significant moment that led to a personal reviving encounter with God. In repentance, they allowed God to consume them, and ultimately that has allowed God to use them. As they have burned, it has drawn people’s attention towards God.
We don’t have to wait to be consumed by the fire of God’s presence. If we will humble ourselves, allow the Holy Spirit access to the hidden places of our hearts, repent from sin, we can trust that God wants to consume us and set us on fire with his reviving presence.
Father, today consume me and use me. Purify me with the fire of your presence. Empower me with the fire of your presence. When people look at the fire within me, let them see You. Let them be drawn to your power and presence within me, and catch the fire of your presence.
Posted in 2024 Breakthrough Fast
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