LIVING IN THE FIRE

READ: Isaiah 33:14-24

Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? – Isaiah 33:14

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 16-19

Just before darkness settled, the Israelites who stood on the walls of Jerusalem saw with dismay the mighty Assyrian army surrounding the city. But at dawn the enemy camp was deserted, and thousands of dead soldiers lay scattered on the ground. What awe and gratitude must have filled the hearts of godly Israelites – but the wicked were terrified!

The prophet Isaiah portrays trembling sinners asking how they can live with “the devouring fire” and “everlasting burnings” (Isa. 33:14). These phrases do not refer to hell, but to our holy God. Those hypocrites were really asking, “Who can live with Him?” Isaiah’s answer was simple: “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly” (v. 15). It wasn’t enough just to participate in religious ritual; Isaiah was reminding them that to live in the presence of the consuming fire they had to obey God.

Hebrews 12:29 reminds us that “our God is a consuming fire.” How is it possible, then, to have a close relationship with Him? Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).

If we trust Jesus as our Saviour and seek to please Him, we need not fear living in the fire of His holiness. – Herb Vander Lugt

No sinner can endure God’s fire,

His holiness consumes all sin;

But Jesus took our punishment –

Now we can have His peace within. – D. De Haan

God’s holiness reveals what is good by consuming what is evil.