Consumed by the Fire

Yet he filled their houses with good things—but the counsel of the wicked is far from me. The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent one mocks at them, saying, ‘Surely our adversaries are cut off, and what they left the fire has consumed.’
Job 22:18–20
+
Consumed by Fire
Fire is a destructive force which can wreak havoc on man and beast alike. A force which does not discriminate when it comes to destroying.  Fire destroys property, homes, forests and prairies, fire takes human life.  And of course, we hear form God’s Word of the fire which rained down and destroyed the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the eternal fire created for the devil and his angels, a place which the unbelieving will be at their deaths.  Yet fire also has benefits.  It heats our homes and helps scatter the darkness of night.  Fire when controlled cleanses the land from death and decay so that new life might emerge.  A hot coal from the altar was placed upon the lips of Elijah to cleanse and purify his words. God spoke to Moses from a burning bush and a column of fire led God’s people in the wilderness by night. A fiery furnace showed the Nebuchadnezzar the power of God to protect Hs people, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went unharmed by the flames. All people are consumed by fire, for good or for ill.  Those who reject God and turn from Him are consumed by the devil and burn with sin.  Yet those who the Holy Spirit come to burn with a fervor for the Lord.  As on the day of Pentecost the flame of God rests on the believer’s heart to cleanse our souls from all unrighteousness. God’s Word leads us as a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) so that we might rest secure at the foot of the cross.