We live in a dangerous community. So dangerous in fact that a ban on charcoal fires has now been established.
Yes, things are dry. Really dry.
High winds and careless behavior have led to the most expensive fires in the history of the state. Forests that have been devastated by the Pine Beetle, weeks without rain, warm temperatures and unrelenting winds provided the explosive environment that now demands precaution and action throughout Colorado communities.
The images of the impact have been moving. Charred forests, neighborhoods reduced to ash, flames licking off the tops of trees as though they are starving for more fuel.
In the aftermath of the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus the Christ… He specifically instructed His disciples to wait –
“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘You heard from me; ‘” ~ Acts 1:4 (ESV)
Jesus was making sure that the souls of His followers were ready for the explosive power that God would unleash.
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” ~ Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
Dry, thirsty and ready; God released His Spirit to ignite the tinder box.
A mighty rushing wind drove the flames of His power through the expectant lives of His people and the gates of hell began to crumble as the Church was fueled.
In three years of ministry Jesus had gotten them ready. On the cross He atoned, from the tomb He liberated, in the ascension they were poised … for a fire. For THE fire. For the explosion. For the unrelenting power that would transform, that would refine.
Are we dry enough for the Spirit to burn? Do we extinguish our thirsty soul so that the Spirit finds no fuel? Have we contained, subdued, and even controlled the fire?
Dangerous indeed. The Church of Jesus Christ.
The New Testament account of the Church chronicles the power. It’s compelling. It’s contagious.
“…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” ~ Matthew 16:18
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