Biblical Insights on Fire
By Steve Hearts
Throughout God’s Word, the metaphor of fire is commonly used to symbolize a number of important things having to do with our spiritual walk.
Ever since the Holy Spirit was literally manifested to the early disciples in tongues of fire,1 the passion and enthusiasm which inspires us to be bold witnesses for Christ and move in the gifts of His Spirit is often referred to in Christian writings as “fire.” I can truly say that being personally touched by this fire is a life-changing encounter.
Experiencing times of testing and difficulty in the walk of faith is often metaphorically described as passing through times of storm or fire. The apostle Peter had this to say as encouragement to his followers: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”2
In another place Peter wrote: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”3
God also used this metaphor when speaking through the prophet Isaiah with a comforting promise for His children of old who were passing through heavy affliction. Much comfort and consolation is still derived from these words today: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”4
In the third chapter of the book of Daniel, we read about the three Hebrews in Babylon, who were tried by fire in the most literal sense, and lived to tell the tale because the Lord walked with them through it.
I began thinking about God’s perspective on fire after hearing a short story that tells of a man who was the only survivor of a shipwreck and who found refuge on a small island. He daily prayed to be rescued and diligently searched the horizon for some sign of help, but none came. Finally, tired of waiting, he built a small cabin as a means of shelter for himself and his few possessions.
One day he went looking for food on the island, and returned to find his cabin in flames. He could do nothing to save it, and what little he had was totally lost.
Angry and confused, he lay down in the sand, looked toward the sky, and shouted at God: “How could You do this to me? Why have You allowed so much tragedy in my life?” It was in such a state that he drifted off to sleep.
He awoke early the next morning to the sound of an approaching boat. At long last, help had come! When he saw his rescuers, he asked them how they knew of his plight. They replied, “We saw your smoke signal.”
This anecdote illustrates God’s comforting promise in Isaiah 61:3: “To give unto them beauty for ashes.” It points out that God’s hand is upon us, regardless of what may befall us in this life. Happenings that might initially seem like great loss or tragedy can be used by God to bring about an even greater good.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians give a perspective on building our work on that which will last. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.”5
Each one of these uses of the fire metaphor has comforted, encouraged, and motivated me at different times in my life. In moments when my inner Holy Spirit fire needs to be stirred up, or when I feel I’m walking on a dark path and cannot adequately see my way, because the flames of my proverbial candle are dimming, I take comfort in Psalm 18:28: “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”
I pray these insights also encourage you and help fan the flame of faith needed for whatever situation you find yourself in.
1 See Acts 2:1–4.
2 1 Peter 4:12–13 KJV.
3 1 Peter 1:7 KJV.
4 Isaiah 43:2 KJV.
5 1 Corinthians 3:11–14 NIV.
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