During a bad thunder storm, lightning struck a church and set it on fire. A crowd of onlookers gathered to watch the firemen as they battled to save the structure. In the crowd was a man that had lived in the community for years, and even though he had been invited many times, had never attended one service at the church. The pastor said to him, “This is the first time I have seen you at church.” The man replied, “This is the first time the church has been on fire.”
People will jump in their cars and follow a firetruck who won’t even look twice at an ice wagon. Jesus promised to baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit and fire. Fire has many good uses.
- Fire is used to purify gold and silver.
- Fire burns out the dross and leaves the pure metal.
- Fire can be a protector: the prophet Zechariah said of Jerusalem: “For I, saith the Lord of the Hosts, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.” (Zech. 2:15)
- Fire gives light
- Fire is used to prepare food.
- Fire sets people free. Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendego were thrown into Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace and it only burned off the ropes that bound them.
- Fire unites. Metals are welded together by fire.
Fire can also do great damage. A fire in the furnace will warm the entire house. A fire in the walls will destroy the entire house. Based on this understanding, I would invite you to join me in this prayer:
“Lord, let the church catch fire by the Holy Spirit and win souls to Christ lest the world experience an eternity of Hell fire!”