The God Who Answers By Fire

The first time the Lord revealed Himself to Moses was in a burning bush. He could have done His appearing in any form He wanted to, but chose this method -- a fire.   Likewise, when the Lord chose to come down and meet the people of Israel for the first time after departing from Egypt, he showed up as thunder, lightning and a thick cloud with a very loud trumpet blast. All of the few million men and women who heard it trembled (see Exodus 19:16-24).  The mountain itself did not speak, but the voice in the midst of the fire did. It is interesting that at significant times when God showed Himself to people, He showed up in the appearance of fire. To Moses in the bush, to the people of Israel on Mount Sinai as a mountain of fire, and the believers in the upper room in Acts 2 tongues of fire on their heads.   Our God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29, Deut 4:24). It's one of His many characteristics. We continue reflecting on the consuming fire of God's presence in this week's episode. Don't forget to check out Benjamin Nelson's book I mentioned in the show, Encounters With Jesus.