Burning and Shining
“Clean my hands, purify my heart. I wanna burn for you, only for You. Take my life as a sacrifice. I wanna burn for you, only for You” - Refiner by Maverick City Music
There are moments in life where you witness something special. They stick with you over time, they leave their imprint. It feels much more than a momentary high or an energy boost. For some this may be a particular live performance by their favourite artist, or an iconic moment in sporting history. It could also be a conversation from 2002 which changed the course of your life. Whatever it is there are some instances which are etched in your memory.
Cast your minds back to Liverpool F.C. during the 2019-2020 season. Their points tally was unprecedented, records were obliterated, but it was their intensity that could not be replicated. Who could beat their press, who could escape their hounding? Like rampaging dogs, like a pack of wolves, they hunted down their opponents with unbridled aggression and continuous pressure. It was a sight to behold, to see intensity personified, all eleven with the same vision- the collective pursuit of the man with the round object near his feet. The igniter of that pack was Jurgen Klopp, the choirmaster and orchestrator of the team. He set them ablaze, he could be seen on the touch line as intense as his players. They sung to his tune and ran on his accord. Though he kicked no balls or scored no goals he was the ignition. From his spark they were fuelled, and sure did they fan the flame. Had it been only been one player the fire might have been short-lived, but there was enough wood to Leo it burning.
More pertinently, following the news of Jesus’ supposed resurrection two disciples were walking to a village called Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). They were discussing the recent events in Jerusalem when another person joined them along their journey. Unbeknownst of his identity, they were puzzled as he asked about what had took place earlier on. The student became teacher and began to outline himself as shown in the Scriptures. As they entered their village he duly joined them for a meal. It was upon the breaking of bread and thanksgiving that they recognised Jesus’ identity, to which upon reflection they asked one another:
“Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)
A fire was kindled as Jesus opened up the scriptures to them. That spoken words could become life to the recipient in their hearts. John, the forerunner to Jesus, was described as a burning and a shining light, a light which provided illumination for a season (John 5:35). We see also that servants of God are made into flames of fire (Psalms 104:4). When we tie this in with other portions of scripture that reference the utilities of a lamp, we gain further understanding of our collective call. Our lamps are to be kept burning, whilst our function as the light of the world is predicated on the initial spark that sets us on fire and creates the illumination. The two disciples’ eyes were opened as the scripture was revealed to them, yet throughout the process they acknowledged the burning that happened within their hearts. In the same way a lamp is not to be kept under a basket, but to shine before men for God to be glorified in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
There is much more that can be said of this fire we need: the fire that purifies and refines us but does not consume (Zechariah 13:7-9, Malachi 3:2-3, Exodus 3:2-3), and the presence of God that transforms us (2 Corinthians 3:18, Acts 6:15, Exodus 34:29-30, Mark 9:2-3), but my main focus for today is the fire that can be transmitted. It may seem like a vague concept however I believe that the power of the spoken word will become increasingly important in its various seemingly small but significant ways. The everyday conversations will ignite a fire in the recipients as the scriptures are explained. Many have held onto the faith of small beginnings, which for some looked like no longer hiding your faith in the workplace, or sharing an encouragement to someone who needed it. Now more than ever these incremental seeds sown cannot be overlooked, as the start of a wildfire only requires one branch, plus in many cases the cause of the fire is unknown.
The mandate is clear- to proclaim the message ‘not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction..’ (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
I charge you with this; to a simple life.