Mt. Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. -Moses
Once upon a time my house caught on fire. I was young then but as I recall the fire depatment came twice that morning. You see, fire has a life of its own. Just about the time you think you have mastered the flame, it burns you.
God is fire, never forget that. Moses knew this mind you. He of all people is familiar with burning bushes. But this is different. This fire on the mountain. So, God is not only fire but he is an untamable fire. Here in the desert we appreciate campfires. They provide warmth, a sense of security. Staring into it you encounter a spirit of comfort. But never presume that you are the keeper of the flame. For he is the keeper and our creator. One does not play with fire, or it will burn you. Yes, God is an untamable fire so don't play with him.
There is something volcanic about God. I know, not the image you had in mind. You say, "Give me Jesus." The Jesus of our imagination, long hair, blue eyes, always smiling. My very best friend. Not that I reject or deny this image of Jesus or suggest that it is in no way plausable. It is simply not the full image of God. There is a dark side to the cross, "if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries......how much worse punishement....will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and profaned the blood of the covenant" (Hebrews 10). We do not want to see the image of a spurned Savior. He suddenly turns volcanic, dangerous and unpredictable. This is not the kind of God one peddles. This is a Savior to be proclaimed, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness."
Don't get too comfortable in the desert. Not that it will betray you or turn on you. Rather it is not something to be taken for granted. Carelessness will get you killed out here. For God is a consuming fire. His fear must be before us that we might not sin against him (Exodus 20).
So, back to the volcano which God is. "Broad is the way that leads to destruction but narrow is the road that leads to eternal life." Live on that broad way and you may find yourself camping at the base of a volcano. The thing about volcano's is that they are so unpredictable. The volcano may be dormant for years, perhaps the longsuffering of God and then he blows. So much for life as one knows it. Pompei is suddenly your life. This is not something you wish on your worst enemy. Even Abraham asked God not to torch Sodom and Gomorrah. The desert is the place where you learn to worship God, observe this fire on the mountain. Just maybe he'll call up and you will enter in. Sola Fide, WHB
1 comment:
The "spurned Savior" - i.e. the experience of Jesus everytime we decide sin is better, easier, more convenient, more inviting, more popular, etc... I have been struck by my own inadequacies lately - pride coupled with cowardice in the face of adversity, a crippling duo to be sure. That which must realized is the fact that the only thing separating the regenerate from the depraved is right choices and right behavior at the right time (i.e. all of the time).
I guess that is why I liked Adams. I have no intrinsic detest of money and power, and Adams is a perfect example of one who was surrounded by money and power, yet did not allow himself to be corrupted by it. Meanwhile, Jefferson lived a materialistic life life and did not possess the courage of his convictions. I'll take integrity and fortitude over policy and rhetoric anyday.
- Will
Post a Comment