Blaze: Encountering the Fire of God for Mamasਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 2: The Fire of God

"Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." -Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)

Throughout the Old Testament, the LORD Almighty reveals Himself through fire—fiercely protecting, pursuing, and purifying His people, acting out of His holy character and a heart of passionate love.

1) Fire as His Manifest Presence

"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night" (Exodus 13:21 NIV).

God’s fire led Israel through unknown terrain.

• How was the fiery Presence a blessing in their wilderness journey?
• How does God's presence impact your daily walk?

2) Fire of Holy Judgment

"Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown" (Leviticus 9:24 NIV).
"Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side" (Psalm 97:3 NIV).

God’s justice demands the destruction of sin to maintain holiness.

• Would God still be good if He allowed injustice to flourish? Do you trust His judgments?
• Why was separation from God’s intimate presence in the Garden of Eden necessary after Adam and Eve sinned?

3) Fire of Jealous Love

"...for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame" (Song of Solomon 8:6b NIV)

God's passionate love pursues your heart.

• How does it feel to know you are fiercely loved and deeply pursued by the Lord?
• How does your love for Him shine through your home?

From consuming fire to blazing passion, the Scriptures reveal a God who is zealous and jealous for His people. He incinerates every barrier to intimacy, calling His children to the light of His holy, perfect love.

Prayer:

LORD, thank You for pursuing me with unrelenting passion and protecting me from all that is wrong. Thank You for restoring intimacy through Your justice and love. May Your Presence light my path and shine through my life, revealing Your love to others. Amen!