Refining Fire
Jesus came to challenge the status quo and guide each of us through a refining fire to purify and prepare us for His purposes.
“Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, “Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city!” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be joking. When the morning came, then the angels hurried Lot, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city.” The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky. But Lot’s wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Genesis 19:14-15, 23-24, 26
God rained fire upon a city that refused to turn from the sin that had overtaken the culture. Ever consider looking up to make sure we are safe today? Popular culture does not lead to personal purity or holiness. Is there anywhere in my life that I have grown used to living in patterns that do not align with the purified mind and heart that the Lord desires for me?
“The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple. Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.”
Psalms 19:1, 7-9, 11, 14
God always looks at our hearts. The prayers that will draw us closer to Him start by reflecting on the state of our heart. How is your heart today? We live in a world that draws our minds and our hearts towards meditating on anything but God. David sings out the truths he has learned about the majesty of God and His creation, the value of living according to His wisdom and ways, and how his desire is to be who God made him to be. Are the words of your mouth and heart's mediations pleasing to God?
“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die. There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.”
Proverbs 19:8, 12, 16, 21
How do the plans I have align with my desire to live a life that not only pleases God but is pleasant to my soul? Solomon says the person who gets wisdom loves their soul. The irony is that wisdom never lets us stay where we are. Wisdom is guaranteed to require change away from the self and towards the Holy Spirit.
“They will tremble and fear because of the shaking of Yahweh of Armies’s hand, which he shakes over them...Yahweh will strike Egypt, striking and healing. They will return to Yahweh, and he will be entreated by them, and will heal them.”
Isaiah 19:16, 18, 20, 22
How could striking bring healing? Have you ever seen a video of how precious metal is refined in the fire? First the metal is heated to high temperatures then molded with striking. Change is difficult as we go through it, but it is done to help us return to our original design where we are made in the image of God.
“He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so. Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”...if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”...The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions...Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” But many will be last who are first, and first who are last.”
Matthew 19:8, 16-22, 25-26, 30
Jesus warns of the hardening of hearts. There are many influences and experiences that can turn our soft hearts hard. The refining fire heats up our hearts so that we can learn how to walk in the freedom of friendship with Jesus. Think about what is most on your mind that causes you concern and consider how much better it would feel to be free of that fear.
Jesus never promises His followers a life of ease. Rather, He consistently grabs them by the hand and walks through the fire with them so that one day all that they say and do will be pleasing to the Father in Heaven.