The Bible contains several passages that describe the fire of God or His glory manifesting in a powerful and tangible way upon His people. These divine encounters signify God’s presence, purification, and empowerment. Here are a few key scriptures illustrating this phenomenon the Kabob of God.
The Day of Pentecost: Tongues of Fire
One of the most remarkable manifestations of God’s presence as fire is found in Acts 2:1-4 (NIV). On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were gathered together when suddenly a sound like a violent wind filled the house. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Moses and the Burning Bush
In Exodus 3:2 (NIV), Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush. The angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush, yet the bush did not burn up. This encounter signifies God’s holy presence and His call to Moses.
“There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.”
God’s Glory on Mount Sinai
Exodus 24:17 (NIV) describes the glory of the Lord appearing to the Israelites as a consuming fire on top of Mount Sinai. This manifestation underscores the awe-inspiring and powerful presence of God.
“To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”
Elijah on Mount Carmel
In 1 Kings 18:38 (NIV), the fire of the Lord falls and burns up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, even licking up the water in the trench. This powerful demonstration of God’s presence affirms Elijah’s prophetic authority and God’s supremacy.
“Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.”
Isaiah’s Vision of God
Isaiah 6:6-7 (NIV) recounts a vision where one of the seraphim touches Isaiah’s lips with a live coal from the altar, symbolizing purification and atonement. This encounter emphasizes God’s holiness and His purifying fire.
“Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'”
The Fire of the Lord Consumes the Offering
Leviticus 9:23-24 (NIV) describes how the fire of the Lord consumes the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar, causing the people to shout for joy and fall facedown. This event highlights God’s acceptance of their offering and His manifest presence among His people.
“Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.”
Conclusion
These passages illustrate various instances where God’s presence is associated with fire, signifying His power, purification, and the manifestation of His glory among His people. These fiery encounters remind us of God’s holiness, His ability to purify and empower, and His awe-inspiring presence that transforms lives.