God - the All Consuming Fire.
What does it mean for God to be a consuming fire?
Deuteronomy 4:24
24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire; He is a [e]jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His].* I.e. intolerant of unfaithfulness.
As much as God is merciful and gracious he is just. I’ve heard it said grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve. Justice is getting what you deserve. God is equal parts gracious, merciful, and just.
Step back and remember that He is holy. Holiness is his status as set apart from any other being. His holiness means purity. God will not exist in the same space as sin.
For God to be a fire means he is a refiner. His fire burns out all impurities and anything that does not look like him. For God to be a consuming fire, to me, means it is complete. It takes over. It leaves nothing behind.
The fire and refining process may seem scary but His fire will not harm us, it will purify us. And leaving a diamond uncared for, is much worst. Build up of daily life can mask the brilliance and clarity of the diamond.
You are a created being and Your creator cares way too much about you to leave you in that state.
Psalm 139
23
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Reflection:
What impurities do you need to allow God to refine?
What is your hesitation to surrendering to the refining process?
How can God’s character reassure you of His good intentions?
