Fire

God could not have been clearer: The fire on the altar was never to go out. There may have been practical reasons, but, more importantly, the fire was a symbol of His presence.

At the beginning of their exodus from Egypt, God told them He would go before them “in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light” (Exodus 13:21).

By keeping the fire burning, they were reminded of God’s presence with them. They were reminded of their history and how He had guided them in the past, protecting and providing for them all along the way. They were reminded about His promises and laws, and their past commitments to Him.

But they also were reminded about His character. As Moses would tell them, God “is a consuming fire” (Deuteronomy 4:24).

The fire was a symbol of God’s glory. They had experienced His presence on Mount Sinai and saw how “the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top” (Exodus 24:17). Without the continual presence of this fire, they could be tempted to forget the Lord and assume they didn’t need His protection or blessing.

In the New Testament, the fire became a symbol of the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, tongues of fire fell on the Believers (Acts 2:3).

Today, ask yourself if the fire is burning brightly in your life. Rekindle your flames of passion for the things of God. Seek His presence. Read His Word. Be filled with the Spirit!