Hebrews 12:29b
For our God is a consuming fire.
Fire has a cleansing quality. Bacteria can’t survive at higher temperatures. God, being a consuming fire, cleanses those people that are in His presence. To be a christian is a voluntary act. To stay close to God is also voluntary. Proximity to God automatically brings about cleansing. As we pray, read the bible, go to church, spend time with believers and are involved in christian service we are involved in the cleansing process. What are we cleansed from? All that which is unholy. Galatians 5:19-21 speak of the deeds of the flesh. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Today’s scripture is a quote from Dueteronomy 4:24. The Old Testament passage adds one more thought: our God is a jealous god. He wants us to serve Him. Our heart is to be with Him. As we abide in His presence the acts of the flesh become repulsive to us. We don’t want to participate in them. Our heart is becoming more like His. If we strayed from Him and immersed ourselves in these selfish pursuits, it’s akin to cheating on a spouse. It makes God jealous. We can’t serve two masters. We can’t have two wives (or husbands, if you’re a lady). How do we know if we are cheating on God? He will bring things to mind. This is cleansing. But not just to be sanitary. It makes our hearts true. It’s relational. As we read the Word, we will be reminded. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will speak to our hearts. In the end, we are better off. The deeds of the flesh bring about misery and broken relationships. His jealousy isn’t selfish. He knows what’s best for us. As we are cleansed and become true to God, this is when we are at our best. Lord, help us to draw nigh unto You and to submit to the natural cleansing that results.