A Consuming Fire

Read: Daniel 7:1-14

A river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Daniel 7:10

IN WORD

Scripture doesn’t allow us to see God’s throne in isolation. Clouds and thick darkness surround Him (Psalm 97:2). Flashes of lightning and peals of thunder echo over a sea of glass amid an encircling rainbow (Revelation 4:3-6). He has been envisioned among creatures with fantastically bizarre characteristics, mysterious wheels within wheels, and chariots supported by powerfully fast angels. Every writer seems to be stretched for words to describe the environment of God, and their descriptions make one thing clear: He’s essentially indescribable.

But the effect of His presence is not. He is both an empowering fire and a consuming fire; He can blaze without damaging a bush (Exodus 3:2) and burn without leaving a trace of sin (Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29). No opposition can stand in His way. A river of fire flows from His throne, purifying His people and rendering His enemies powerless. The terrifying rulers of earth look pitiful in His presence.

Everything is small and powerless compared to God. Whether you are troubled by rogue kingdoms or an oppressive to-do list, you are still allied with a power that dwarfs all others. Sometimes we forget that; our minds know God’s greatness while our hearts are filled with fear. In the overwhelming situations of life, we wonder if the gap between His power and our circumstances will be bridged. He’s big, but our problems seem bigger. Only when we resolutely focus on His grandeur, His fiery judgments against all that is wrong, and His willingness to act on our behalf do our problems begin to be consumed. The more we magnify Him in our hearts, the smaller our troubles become.

IN DEED

Worship the God whose throne flows with fire. Let Him become bigger than any other issue in your life, not only mentally but at a deep, heartfelt level. Envision His fire consuming the terrorists in your world. And know that the Ancient of Days is on His throne to decree your welfare.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 97:1-6

The Lord’s presence is infinite, His brightness insupportable, His majesty aweful, His dominion boundless, and His sovereignty incontestable.

MATTHEW HENRY