CONSUMING FIRE

Tried by Fire

“For our God is a consuming fire.”  (Hebrews 12:29)

Such a short verse.  There is no reason why any of us couldn’t memorize Hebrews 12:29.  And a good one to remember, too.

Now, take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 3:12-15:  

“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

As I was considering this verse along with this passage in 1 Corinthians, I suddenly was overcome with a deep sense of remorse and grief. My offering which I give to the Lord consisting of my life, my gifts, my talents, my deeds, my good works, my ministries, my time, my love – all that I bring before Him will be tried by fire.

Our God is a consuming fire.  The only things that can and will remain are those things which cannot be consumed – those things which are pure, done with a pure heart and a pure motive, offered to the Lord as a “free-will” offering given from a heart that withholds nothing or demands nothing in return.  The “wood, hay, and stubble,” or offerings given with strings attached will be consumed, “for our God is a consuming fire.”

Let’s take some time today and consider the motives of our heart. Are they pure?  Are the gifts we bring to the Lord able to stand the test of fire?  Are they like gold and silver? Or, are they more like the “wood, hay, and stubble” which is quickly consumed by God’s consuming fire?  Let’s invite the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit to purge us and cleanse anew us as we draw near to God’s consuming fire.

Father, purify my heart and make me a sacrifice pleasing and acceptable to You.  In Jesus’ precious name and for His glory, Amen.

“For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.”  (Deuteronomy 4:24)