Wildfire

I am sure everyone has been aware of the fires that have been out of control in Colorado this past week. It really seems so surreal seeing those images of the mountains on fire outside of Colorado Springs. I pray earnestly that the Lord would have mercy and send rain so that no more damage is done.

The bible says that God is a consuming fire. A wildfire is a consuming fire. It consumes everything in its path. I am not one who is saying that God caused the fire, I am just drawing a contrast between a wildfire in the natural and the Consuming Fire in the character of God. Why would God be in the business of consuming or burning up things? Love. He loves so intensely and seriously that anything that stands in the way of love has to be burned or consumed. He created us to love Him and be loved by Him, but when we abandon that love or turn to lesser pleasures or worthless idols, He must act. God is in control, He is not a bystander or One who sits on the sidelines to watch the game. He knows how things must work. In order for us to be saved and have eternal life then we must love God with all of our hearts, soul, mind and strength. He will burn up all impurity, sin, and darkness on the earth once and for all. He will also allow His consuming love to burn up things in our lives that hinder us or damage us in any way.

He is not a God who punishes. He is a God who loves. Because He loves, He disciplines. Would you allow your child to play with fire at the age of four if you knew full well that it would hurt or possibly kill him? No. That is the nature and character of the Father of lights. The heavenly Father loves with power and perfection. He is a wildfire that no one can contain. There is no power greater than the power of love, genuine heaven touching earth kind of love.