Fire
Fire can reduce an entire building to ashes in a matter of minutes. The
breathtaking power of fire is an appropriate parallel for the awe inspiring
strength of God. He appeared to Moses in a burning bush (see Exodus
3:2) and to the Israelites in a pillar of fire in the desert (see Exodus
13:21). But the Bible also cites instances in which fire is a literal
instrument of God's judgment. Burning sulfur destroyed the Old Testament
cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and fire consumed the Israelites who disobeyed
him in the desert. God has created a lake of fire for the eternal punishment
of Satan and his followers.
The destructive qualities of fire make it an effective
tool for purification. Fire can refine a substance like gold, which doesn't
burn, by consuming foreign elements in it, so that only the pure gold
remains. Scripture compares this purifying action to the work of God in
the lives of Christians. God is working to eliminate impure thoughts and
actions, leaving only the good that comes from him.
Fire represents the presence and power of the
Lord.
Exodus 3:2
Leviticus 9:24
Deuteronomy 4:23-24
1 Kings 18:22-39
Isaiah 66:15-16
Acts 2:3
Revelation 1:14
God uses destructive fire to judge individuals.
Genesis 19:24-25
Leviticus 10:1-2
Numbers 11:1
Psalm 21:9
Luke 17:29
Revelation 20:14-15; 21:8
Fire is an essential element in the Old Testament offerings.
Exodus 29:18
Leviticus 1:9
Joshua 13:14
1 Samuel 2:28
The ability of fire to burn up impurities, symbolizes God's ability
to destroy whatever is impure in us.
Malachi 3:2
1 Corinthians 3:12-15
1 Peter 1:6-7
Revelation 3:18
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