The next element in our series is Fire.
When the Hebrew men, known more commonly by their Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnance, the fire had no effect on them but the bonds that tied them were loosed and Nebuchadnezzar the king exclaims that he sees four men walking in midst of the fire and the form of the fourth was like the Son of God (Daniel 3:25). When Samson came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arm became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands (Judges 15:14). Again, a demonstration of the presence of God releasing bondage and interestingly in both instances, God presence has to do with fire.
On the day of Pentecost, the outward expression of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was tongues like as of fire (Acts 2:3-4). When Jesus opened the scriptures to the two on the road to Emmaus, they said to one another, did not our hearts burn within us? (Luke 24:32).
And as a fire is not effective, when quenched, Paul warns us to Quench not the Spirit, the Fire of God (1 Thessalonians 5:19). The Spirit of God refines and purifies us to righteousness (Malachi 3:2-3). The Spirit of God is THE ELEMENT, the FIRE that not only burns away the chains/ropes that hold us in bondage, but also warms the hearts of those who listen to the Son of God to have a renewed relationship with him.
