Message
I have been privileged to see God at work on numerous occasions, and I honestly love Him deeply. Besides this, however, I must also tell you that I fear Him. I know that some theologians say that we are not supposed to fear God; rather, we are to reverence Him. However, one of the attributes of the Almighty God is that He is a consuming fire (, ). African elders say that even a mad dog recognises fire. This is why anyone in their right senses will not joke with God, because if a fellow toys with fire, he or she will most likely get burnt.
One of the amazing things about having the Consuming Fire as a Father is that His fire is like a wall that protects His children and destroys their enemies at the same time. says that God is a wall of fire round about His people and the glory in their midst. In , when God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. While that pillar of fire gave His children light, warmth, and direction, says that the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the same pillar and troubled their host. The pillar of fire did not relent until it led the children of Israel safely to the other side of the Red Sea, while their enemies all lost their lives in the sea. In today’s memory verse, Moses told the Israelites to understand that the Lord had gone before them as a consuming fire to destroy their enemies. I pray for you today that in the name above all other names, the Consuming Fire will destroy every obstacle in your path, in Jesus’ name.
I must sound this note of warning that even though God’s fire of destruction is not meant for His children, they can experience it if they allow sin in their lives. In today’s Bible reading, when the children of Israel, who should have been praising and thanking God in the wilderness, complained, the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of them. Beloved, avoid sin in any form, including murmuring or complaining. Instead, dedicate yourself to living a life of holiness () and, in all things, give thanks to God for this is His will concerning you ().