God’s Consuming Fire

The Burning Bush

One day while Moses was tending his father-in-law’s sheep, he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. While tending the sheep, he looked up to the mountain and saw something strange: There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. MosesContinue reading “The Burning Bush”

Pillar of Fire

When the Israelites were on the run from Pharaoh (and the Egyptian army) following the 10th plague, God used fire to protect and guide them. By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that theyContinue reading “Pillar of Fire”

Who Can Stand the Consuming Fire?

Isaiah records this question: Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning? It is a very poignant question. Isaiah immediately provides the answer: Those who walk righteously and speak what is right,who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes,who stop their ears against plots ofContinue reading “Who Can Stand the Consuming Fire?”

The Mountain of Temptation

Mountains not only play a prevalent role in the Old Testament but they are pop up repeated in the New Testament. Jesus frequently retreated to the mountains. He named his 12 apostles on a mountain. He was transfigured atop a mountain. He gave his most important sermon on a mountain. These are just a few.Continue reading “The Mountain of Temptation”

A Devouring Fire

When finally preparing to cross into the Promised Land, Moses told the children of Israel that they would face strong and powerful enemies who lived in large cities with massive walls. But He told them not to fear because The Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroyContinue reading “A Devouring Fire”

I’ve always been fascinated with fire. I love lighting fires and watching them burn in a fireplace or bonfire. They are mysterious and mesmerizing. Fires can be either calming or destructive. Fire can be either the source of warmth and life or death and destruction. It is complex and beautiful – warming and vital –Continue reading “God’s Consuming Fire”