Read Hebrews 12:18-29

“For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:13, NIV.

Victoria was on fire. A week of scorching temperatures had seen much of the tinder-dry bushland erupt into flames. A major fire was burning out of control about 50 kilometres from here, a smaller one just about ten kilometres away. Other major fires were raging through the north and west of the state. The air was like a furnace, and heavy with smoke as a searing wind roared through the treetops. This aspect of fire definitely had none of the comfort of a cheery blaze crackling in a fireplace on a freezing winter day!

As I scanned the horizon for signs of whether the fire was advancing or retreating, it occurred to me that God is much the same. His awesome power and authority is a wonderful comfort when He picks us up and holds us close in the moments of distress. We are so blessed when He moves His mighty hand on our behalf! Yet there is another side to God, a side that hates sin and will not – cannot – allow it to go unpunished. He has placed that punishment on Jesus on our behalf, but if we refuse to accept His bearing of our sin, then we choose to expose ourselves to the awesome, fearful side of God’s power. Having seen the destructive side of natural fire, that is something I never want to experience!

PRAYER
Thank You, Lord, for Your mighty power. Please keep us always in that place where Your power can be a blessing and a comfort to us, and keep us from straying into those areas where we would face the fire of Your anger.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How do I see the power of God manifested in my life?