Too hot to handle

Hebrews 12:29 AMPC

For our God [is indeed] a consuming fire.

In this cold snap it's great to sit by a fire. There's something that draws us in.

What a fascinating experience to sit in front of a fire and watch the flames lick and slowly break down a thick log.

As big and strong as that log is, it is eventually turned to ashes in the fire.

Here in Hebrews, our God is called a consuming fire.

Without the grace of Jesus, God is "too hot to handle" for us mortals!

In Exodus, we see the Hebrew people being so fearful of the Lord that they asked Moses to be their go between so they didn't have to get too close.

Today there is very little "fear" (healthy respect) for God. Many believe He doesn't even exist.

His name is used as a curse word without a thought.

Yet it is only because of the grace and mercy of Jesus that we are not consumed by Him.

The love of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit burns so hot that the "cauldron" of Calvary consumed our "death", incinerated our guilt and shame and forever branded us as His very own.

The destructiveness of God's fire is only for the ugliness of our fallen nature. He wants to burn that up.

His fire refines us, burns off the dross, the stuff that spoils our lives.

Through Jesus we CAN draw near to God:

James 4:8-10 AMPC

Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. [9] [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. [10] Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].

Not an easy passage to read, but perhaps it's time to "shape up" and become what Jesus died for - to make us sons and daughters of the Living God - our hearts burning with that same firery, devoted love!