Dear Level10 family & friends,
Would you agree with me that matches, fire and flames are very much a man and boy’s thing?
I have always, from being a very young boy, been intrigued by the dynamics and effectiveness of a flame, finding it mysterious and thrilling! Whether a campfire, a bonfire or a BBQ my burning desire was always to play with fire. However I am very aware that if a flame is controlled it is of great benefit but a flame untamed can bring great destruction, devastation and even death – I’m sure we can all remember watching in horror the Australian bushfires on television last year.
God speaks through fire. He talked to Moses through a burning bush. God informed this fearful, stuttering man that he was His choice and that, through Moses, God would manifest His glory with many miraculous signs and wonders to set His people (Israel) free from captivity in the land of Egypt. [Exodus 3]
Then, with the prophet Elijah God revealed His glory and power when fire fell from heaven consuming a sodden sacrifice, resulting in the destruction of ritualistic idolatry and demonic forces. [1 Kings 18]
We also read in the New Testament the account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as He came as flames of fire falling upon the believers and followers of Jesus Christ. His presence came by fire and all present were filled with, and empowered by, the joy of His fullness! [Acts 2]
In the Old Testament God preordained a furnace to be heated seven times hotter than any other furnace. God chose to dwell in the furnace and invited three men to join him – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These men loved God, honoured Him and refused to compromise their faith and commitment to Him. They were willing to die if necessary rather than to deny their God! King Nebuchadnezzar enraged with fury at their disobedience and refusal to worship him, ordered his strongest men to hurl Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into this inferno of heat. As King Nebuchadnezzar’s men drew close to the furnace they were consumed by the fire but God’s men – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – having been thrown in strolled around in the furnace and were totally unaffected by the flames and smoke. Instead they enjoyed fellowship with the Son of God who WARMLY welcomed them into His presence, truly a HEATED exchange of divine approval and blessing – what a moment! [Daniel 3]
These scenes, witnessed by Nebuchadnezzar, caused him to instantly order their release and, furthermore, he acknowledged and proclaimed that the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was indeed the living, true God, creator of the heavens and earth who was worthy of all praise, honour and glory!
Scripture tells us faith and trust is so vital in our relationship with our God, sometimes issues are beyond our comprehension and understanding. [Proverbs 3 v 5-6]
Today, when I consider this coronavirus plague with all its implications of misery, loss, grief, heartbreak and despair which is so cruelly causing destruction of life as we know it, I have to believe God is impacting and preparing an arena for His glory.
Friends, today we are abiding in a furnace which is getting hotter every day. Yet our God has promised to dwell with us and commune with us despite the heat! Yes, He is at our side even through the pain and the suffering, the ordeals and the questions. I am inclined to believe that our lives are like gold ore in a crucible, being subjected to a smelting furnace where the dross and the impurities are coming to the surface to be gently removed, refined and purified in order to reveal us in His likeness and His glory.
At the Refiner’s timing, the pure gold will be poured out into moulds according to His ordained will and design.
Friends, let us rest in the promises of God’s Word and the proclamations He has made over us. We shall shine as pure gold, shaped into His likeness, to reign with Him so let’s endure, let’s declare our hope and our joy to all people. May people see in us the reality of our God who has overcome and conquered. May we truly radiate love and compassion.
Let us determine to be there for people, to help them, support them and encourage them to receive God’s amazing plan of salvation.
Let’s make it our BURNING desire to comfort and rescue the lost, to do all we can to pluck them from the FIRE!
May God bless and help us all greatly.
Love in Jesus
Terry (elder)