Chasing Fire
Chasing Fire
Throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit is represented by powerful images like wind, breath, and fire. Fire, in particular, signifies God's holy presence, His purifying power, and the cleansing work of the Spirit. We see this in the burning bush where God called Moses (Exodus 3), the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites (Exodus 13:21-22), and the tongues of fire that descended at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
John the Baptist foretold that Jesus would baptize us "with the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16). This fire symbolizes the Holy Spirit igniting our hearts with a deep love for Christ. Paul wrote, "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). When we fully surrender to Jesus and invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, the Spirit brings transformation—opening our ears to God's voice, our eyes to His vision, and our minds to His wisdom.
Jesus' ministry was empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling Him to proclaim the good news, perform miracles, and set people free from oppression. As members of Christ's body, we are called to continue His work on earth. Saint Theresa of Avila reminds us of our role: "Christ has no body now but yours... you are His body." We are His hands, feet, and voice, bringing His love and compassion to those around us.
One of the challenges we see is that when we chase after the Holy Spirit and fan into flame the gift He has given us, all hell seems to break loose. A Sunday like we just had with so many people hungry for the Holy Spirit often results in all kinds of opposition, bad news, disunity and problems to deal with. This is par for the course. The last thing the enemy wants is the church hungry for the Holy Spirit. And He will do anything including sin to stop it from happening.
The Spirit unites, Satan divides. A true sign and fruit of the outpouring of his fire is love for our church – our church leaders and members, and for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must do all we can to promote the work of the Holy Spirit to ignite the church and to bring God’s people into greater unity and love for one another. Unity must be guarded.
As we serve, we must remember the example of John the Baptist, who said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). Our service is not for our own recognition but to glorify Christ. Paul reminds us, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). As we carry out our mission, let us do so with humility, knowing that our ultimate reward is in Christ, who strengthens us to fulfill His calling.
Throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit is represented by powerful images like wind, breath, and fire. Fire, in particular, signifies God's holy presence, His purifying power, and the cleansing work of the Spirit. We see this in the burning bush where God called Moses (Exodus 3), the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites (Exodus 13:21-22), and the tongues of fire that descended at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
John the Baptist foretold that Jesus would baptize us "with the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16). This fire symbolizes the Holy Spirit igniting our hearts with a deep love for Christ. Paul wrote, "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). When we fully surrender to Jesus and invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, the Spirit brings transformation—opening our ears to God's voice, our eyes to His vision, and our minds to His wisdom.
Jesus' ministry was empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling Him to proclaim the good news, perform miracles, and set people free from oppression. As members of Christ's body, we are called to continue His work on earth. Saint Theresa of Avila reminds us of our role: "Christ has no body now but yours... you are His body." We are His hands, feet, and voice, bringing His love and compassion to those around us.
One of the challenges we see is that when we chase after the Holy Spirit and fan into flame the gift He has given us, all hell seems to break loose. A Sunday like we just had with so many people hungry for the Holy Spirit often results in all kinds of opposition, bad news, disunity and problems to deal with. This is par for the course. The last thing the enemy wants is the church hungry for the Holy Spirit. And He will do anything including sin to stop it from happening.
The Spirit unites, Satan divides. A true sign and fruit of the outpouring of his fire is love for our church – our church leaders and members, and for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must do all we can to promote the work of the Holy Spirit to ignite the church and to bring God’s people into greater unity and love for one another. Unity must be guarded.
As we serve, we must remember the example of John the Baptist, who said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). Our service is not for our own recognition but to glorify Christ. Paul reminds us, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). As we carry out our mission, let us do so with humility, knowing that our ultimate reward is in Christ, who strengthens us to fulfill His calling.
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