God is spoken of as a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24) and a refining fire (Malachi 3:3). Because of the love and covenant faithfulness of God we are not consumed (Malachi 3:4). God is love; love is both a refining and consuming fire. Wrath is the underside of God’s love. How does that work? It is like the fire of the sun; it can warm us or it can destroy us. It can blind us or light our way. When God’s fiery love is not embraced by repentance it consumes; it becomes hell. When embraced by repentance and surrender it refines us like silver and gold. “For everyone will be salted with fire” (Mark 9:49 ESV).
Oh, Holy God, who appeared to Moses in a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire, may we live in repentance and surrender before You so that Your fire may refine us to love You with our whole being. Amen!
From the devotional book “Growing Toward Maturity”, by H. Lamar Smith.
