They have heard that You, LORD, are among these people [of Israel], that You, LORD, are seen face to face, while Your cloud stands over them; and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. Numbers 14:14
Fire is used throughout the Word in many different connotations. It symbolizes God's glory and holiness, his anger and judgement, refinement and purification, death and destruction. It also symbolizes God's presence and the coming of Christ. In the song He Is, God is referenced as fire 3 times. In the books of Numbers, Daniel and Acts. If you are familiar with these books, you will know exactly the references for each. I've been letting "fire" meld with my mind and my spirit and have been praying that the Lord give me exactly the right message for each.
In awe of You we worship
And stand amazed at Your great love
We're changed from glory to glory
We set our hearts on You our God
Now Your presence fills this place
Be exalted in our praise
As we worship I believe
You are near
From You Are Near perfromed by Hillsong Live
When the Lord revealed Himself to Moses, calling him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, it was in the form of a burning bush. He revealed His presence through fire. When he led the them from Egypt, God led them during the day with a pillar of cloud and by night with a pillar of fire. But what did the pillar of fire provide? Not just His presence, but light and warmth.
The disciples were in the presence of Jesus day and night. He was their pillar of fire, bringing light and warmth, as He does for us.
Then Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46
As I began to research out how God's presence provides warmth, outside of the physical felling of warmth from a fire, I did a simple thesaurus search on the word, and when I pulled up the synonyms, I couldn't help but smile. Warmth is equal to this: enthusiasm, excitement, passion, and zeal. How can we NOT be enthusiastic, excited, passionate and zealous when we are in the presence of such an Almighty God? Jesus is the light, He is our warmth, or our passion. He is our fire by night.
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