THE BURNING FIRE by Rev’d Debo Akinsanya

 

“Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in aflame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed”. Exodus 3:1, 2

The Lord God, the creator of heaven and the earth, appears and communicates in diverse forms and ways. His ways are unsearchable. Neither is any depth to the knowledge of His acts.

He might walk in a pillar of cloud by day and then choose to go in a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:12). He might neglect to move in a great and strong wind, an earthquake, or fire and decide to come in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11 -12). He may choose to speak through a man today and decide to use an ass as His mouthpiece at another day (Numbers 22:28-30).

In the above scriptural passage, Moses who had left Egypt for Midian, was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian in Horeb, the mountain of God when the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of bush. The bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. When the Lord discovered that Moses turned aside to see this fire. He began to speak to him. Among several things He said were: “… I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of that land unto a good land and at large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey…” Exodus 3:7,8.

The Lord God had a message to pass across to Moses who was very busy with the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law. He decided to come in a burning fire. What is amazing about this story was the bush that burned with fire and the bush was not consumed (Exodus 3:2). Which was figurative of the terrible affliction the people of Israel were passing through at that time in the land of Egypt. How impossible it was in the sight of God for the affliction to consume or destroy them. And God’s determination to deliver His people from the affliction.

The reality of the fact was that there was a fire burning; very hot. It also had a source: from the God of heaven and the earth, and meant for a purpose.

Now, in the context of this message, fire is synonymous of the afflictions that normally befall children of God. Things like sickness, diseases, lack, failure, delay, disappointments, oppositions, oppressions, persecution, hatred, rejection, temptations, spiritual weaknesses and the like.

As we go on in this message, we have in mind to consider

(A)       Seven Things you should know about Fire.

(B)       Reasons for fire.

(C)       A Brand Plucked Out of Fire.

May the Lord bless you as you follow prayerfully and patiently.

(A)       SEVEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FIRE

(1) THE LORD KNOWS ABOUT THE FIRE

“…for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the land of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and at large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey…” Exodus 3:7,8.

There is a fire and a walk through it for every child of God. The Lord is always in the know of this fire. Sometimes, it originates from Him. It is even in His interest to organize, monitor and examine the responses of the fire victims. I don’t know what your experience is like today, but I just want to bring to your awareness that the Lord knows about it, even before you were born. He has even seen the end of the experience before the beginning of it. He knows what to do to deliver you out of the affliction (Psalm 34:19 22).

(2)THE LORD IS WITH YOU IN THE FIRE

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee ; Oh Israel fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; When thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindled upon thee”. Isaiah 43:1-2.

This passage was addressed to Jacob, Israel, the redeemed, those He has called by their names and not to sinners. That they would pass through waters which shall not overflow them and through fire, which shall not burn them. That He (the Lord) will be with them through the waters, rivers and the fire. How do you feel about this? I feel joyful, peaceful and encouraged that the Fourth Person in the Fiery Furnace is with me in the fire (Daniel 3:24,25). Because the Lord is with you no one or thing or counsel can be against you. He will definitely see you through the fire. He will keep you from being hurt and bring you out of the fire (Daniel 3:26-28). Consider this promise of God: “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him: With long life mil I satisfy him, and show him my salvation”. Psalm 91:15,16.

3.         THE FIRE IS NOT TO YOUR HURT

“…When thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindled upon thee ” Isaiah 43: 2b.

Believe me; the present experience of yours is not to your hurt. You will not be ashamed. Death, failure, demotion and the like are not your portion. Take a visit to a goldsmith and consider the hotness of the iron inside the fire and the force of the hammer on the iron! At the end the gold comes out shinning. Your present trouble and affliction is not to your destruction. Therefore, fear not! “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, Israel, fear not; for I have redeemed thee…”   Isa.43:1 -2. No! No! No! You will not remain in your present academic situation without pressing forward. You will not remain unmarried, childless, jobless, or poor till death. The present sickness or disease of yours is not unto death. That horrible situation of your relative will not be permanent. The sorrow and disappointment you are having in your marriage, ministry or business is not going to stand the test of time. Fear not, for the LORD will surely visit you.

4. FIRE: STRANGE AND ABSURD TO ITS VICTIMS

Yea, strange things are indeed happening to us. Things that are unexpected and unbelievable to children of God. As if God is not faithful or the word of God is to be blamed. We keep kingdom principles, pray, fast, exercise our faith, yet we experience very strange things. All because God permitted them, of course for reasons best known to Him.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering, that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy ”    1 Peter 4:12,13

It is not a good thing to suffer in any thing. It is highly undesirable. However, if we suffer with him. We will also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12,13). The affliction we experienced as Christians are light when compared with what the worldly people are passing through. Those without Christ are the ones having crises. When He called us out of darkness, He equally removed and deliver us from the terrible and  hot affliction befalling the people of this world. Yet He put His yoke upon us. But His own yoke is easy and His burden light if we learn of Him, Giving ourselves to His words and teachings make us to find rest unto our souls in the midst to four afflictions (Matthew 11:28-30).

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us afar more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” 2 Cor. 4:17.

No matter the affliction a child of God is passing through, the Lord sees it to be light and not terrible! And just for a moment when compared with life without end that is free of affliction to be lived in eternity.          

^uAnd this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and’  eternal glory much greater than the trouble” 2Cor.4:17  GNB

There is definitely a link between this affliction and the eternal glory to be received. While the affliction is small (light), the eternal glory is tremendous. It is even the affliction that will bring us an eternal glory.

(6)        FIRE: NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO AFFECT OUR FAITH

Jesus did not call us into a life totally and completely free of affliction (Psalm 34:19). Affliction is part of what we experience in our Christian journey. For real, affliction of any kind is not strong enough to separate us from the love of Christ.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter” Rom. 8:35 36.

Jesus is more than all our lack, loss, disappointments, troubles, and affliction of any kind! Affliction cannot snatch our love for Him. “We love him, because he first loved us.” I John 4:19. For He was afflicted for our love. He did no sin, yet suffered as a rogue, even to a shameful death on the cross (Isaiah 53:3,4). Jesus too was afflicted. So, He knows what it takes to be afflicted. Meanwhile, He made no complaint, did not curse God, neither did He deny the faith. (Isaiah 53:7; Hebrews 12:2,3).

Consider Stanza five and four of the song: Be gone, Unbelief;

(5)        * “How bitter that cup, no heart can conceive,

*   Which he drank quite up, that sinners might live,

*   His way was much rougher and darker than mine,

*   Did Christ, my Lord, suffer, and shall I repine?”

 

(4)        * “Why should I complain, of want or distress,

*   Temptation or pain? He told me no less;

*   The heir of salvation, I know from His Word,

*   Through much tribulation must follow their Lord.”

Therefore, affliction or tribulation should not make us to grow cold in our love for God. Neither should it make us to seek other gods or help where there is none. Do not deny the faith or break divine principles and covenants because of affliction. Do not get anything done in your own way or the ways of this world because of affliction. The Lord is in control. At the appointed time, He will surely visit you. Faithful is He that has promised to do what He says He will do. Keep on waiting on Him.

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” Rom.8: 37.

7.         LEARN TO SOW IN TEARS

“They that sow in tears shall reap In joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. “Psalm 126:5, 6

Now, it is not the affliction that really matter but how it is being handled. Going about weeping is never the way out of any affliction. But bearing precious seed of prayer which may go with weeping. For they that sow in tears (praying in time of affliction) shall reap in joy. Fervent prayer combine with faith moves you from the side of mediocrity to excellence, from the side of victim to victor. In the midst of your present affliction/tribulation put on the garment of praise, and the spirit of prayer. Seek the mercies of God always.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16b

 

B. REASONS FOR THE FIRE

(1)       SIN INDUCED AFFLICTION

I have heard many people who normally and always blame affliction on sin. Sin could be the reason for affliction and might not be. If it is, an affliction could have its origin from either God or Satan. When originated from God; it is a way of God punishing His children for their sins, which in some instances, it is the hand of God’s love to draw the hearts of His beloved from sin, worldliness, backslidden, love of money, and the like. An instrument in the hand of God to rebuke, correct and remold the lives of His beloved when they are in error. It is equally the whip in the hand of the just God to chastise disobedient children. (Read Heb. 12:7-8). 

Consider God’s verdict against David when he committed sin of adultery!

“Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house, because thou hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord, behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house,..., the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die ” 2 Sam. 12:10-14.

Now, it is abnormal and highly unexpected for the affliction of children of God to have its origin in Satan. For the word of God reveals our authority over Satan (Read I John 5:18; Luke 10:19; Psalm 105:14,15). Meanwhile, children of God can be afflicted by Satan and his cohorts when they mortgage their righteousness, and holiness, invariably their authority (Read Eph. 4:27).

“He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh and hedge, a serpent shall bitehim,” Eccl. 10:8.

Sin breaks the hedge of God around a child of God, giving the devil an opportunity to afflict him. However, genuine confession, repentance and holiness put devil on the run.

2.         FIRE:  KINGS ROYAL WAY OF EXCELLENCE

When His beloved are out of His will, drawn away from His love, ways and purpose; moving in the wrong direction, in order for God to draw their attention to His counsel He introduces the fire.

^uIn the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found; but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding” Pro. 10:13.

Moses was a covenant child created purposely to liberate his people from the land of bondage in Egypt. He was aware of this before his departure to Median (Exd. 2: 11 – 15). However, when Moses had forgotten whom he was, having no heart for the liberation of his people for the flock of Jethro which he kept, it became necessary for God to introduce a burning fire. This He did to draw his attention, turning his back to the flock and his face to His own will (Exd. 3:4).

In the heat of this kind of fire, some businesses, ministries have experienced a big set back. Some victims have lost their jobs. Some have faced serious rejection and opposition in the place of work (Read Malachi 2:8 9). Be sober, vigilant and sensitive enough to have the right understanding; seek and pursue the will of God in the midst of your present affliction.

3.         THE FIRE THAT PURIFIES

One of the agricultural advantages of burning a bush before planting is the sterilizing effect of the fire on the soil, killing all hiding pests and diseases. Believe me, fire purifies.

“for they verify for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure, but he for our pro/it, that we might be partakes of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yielded the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb. 12:10-11).

God forbid bad things; we should not see or experience evil in our lives, homes and ministries. However, glory be to God who has created both good and evil. God does wonderful things with the afflictions of various kinds experienced by His children. If everything is good, smooth and rosy, the tendency is for us to forget and abandon our God.

” Because thou hast forgotten the God of they salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt

thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips: In the day shall thou make thy plant to grow; and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow”. Isaiah 17:10 11.

With the affliction that mingle with the goodness and blessing of the Lord, one tend to be mindful of God, seek Him and correct his ways. Christian’s affliction is to their profit. It naturally yields fruits of holiness and righteousness.

“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer” Prov. 25:4.

In the goldsmith shop, the dross can never be removed without passing through the fire. And when the dross is removed, the glory of the silver is revealed.

“And twill turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin; And I will restore thy judges as the first and thy counselors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shalt be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness”  Isaiah 1:25 27.

With an experience of passing through the fire, the dross: all the sins that still remain with a Christian after his conversion, are destroyed.

“wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble kneels; And make straight paths for your feet, least that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed” Heb. 12:12-13.

4.         FIRE: KINGS ROYAL WAY OF FREEDOM

In Daniel chapter three, three Hebrew brothers were bond into the burning fiery furnace. But right inside the fire were loosed and people saw them walking freely. It is possible for children of God to soli be in satanic bondage of various kinds. Bondage of sin (for habits of life), of fear, sickness or of lack. Some could be operating under a curse or satanic oppression or be possessed by some evil forces. There is always a satanic spirit behind every corruption observed in Christians. There is spirit of mammon (love of money), theft, pride, lust, alcoholism and nicotine (for addiction to alcoholic drinks and dangerous drugs).

However, with the experience of fire; children of God are liberated from such satanic yokes or bondages.

“but upon mount Zion shall be deliverance; and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shalt possess their possession ” Obadiah 1:17.

Mount Zion is a place of prayer. Since affliction calls for fervent prayers, children of God obtain their deliverance from hidden satanic forces and bondage thereby possessing their possessions. Meanwhile, the fastest and permanent way of obtaining deliverance from satanic bondages and influences is holiness, which becomes possible with the fire experience. Passing through the fire permits consecration and holiness, which makes deliverance possible and permanent.

5.         FIRE: AN INVITATION FOR FELLOWSHIP

God cherish and cannot compromise the intimate and functional relationship and fellowship with His children, in order for this fellowship not to be interrupted He sometimes introduces “the fire”. For the heat of the fire is the energy that rekindle and sustain the fellowship. This does not make Him a selfish or wicked God. His steadfast love only calls for an uninterrupted fellowship with the beloved. This was among the things Jesus was teaching in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11 32). Who left and abandoned the fellowship with his father for a distant country. And because his father cherished his fellowship than every other thing, he permitted affliction of lack to set in, in order to bring him back home. (Luke 15; 14 19). With this, he remembered the sweet fellowship with his father and sought after it. Having found it, he obtained back the love and care of the father (Luke 15:22 24).

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remember Zion”.      Psalm 137: 1.

 When the children of God were in Zion they did not so much cherish what they were enjoying until they found themselves in the land of Babylon. What could have carried them away captive in the land of Babylon if they had not forgotten God. In this land of affliction there they sat down to think right. Yea, they wept in repentance, when they remembered Zion. Can I say then that this land of affliction you are presently is only for you to sit down and think right. It is for you to remember how you used to ‘get lost¹ in the Spirit as you worship God with your whole heart, and that for appreciable length of time. How you used to pray and intercede for those things that bothers the heart of Jesus; and that frequently, constantly and fervently. It is for you to remember how you used to jot down daily fresh revelational knowledge from the word of God. How you used to touch individual lives with the word of God Your passion for lost souls. That has been stolen away by another passion. Your zeal and commitment to the things of God. Your dedication to Church programmes, meetings and services. Your eagerness to testify to the goodness of the LORD. Your eagerness to serve the master Jesus. Your giving life; it is for you to remember your broken covenants and unkept promises and vows. And lots more. I think this land of affliction is for you to weep as you remember Zion; your beautiful fellowship times with the LORD. Well, as affliction itself naturally calls its victims unto seeking God that He might be found, it is my belief that this fellowship will be restored.

6.         THE FIRE TO HUMBLE YOU

Several Christians have pride they have not discovered. Some are proud to God, claiming and taking the glory that belongs to Him. Some are so full of themselves, as if beside them, there is no one else. Some so much believe in their own wisdom, ability, strength and capability to make things happen. Some speak and behave proudly both to God and to fellow brethren. And since God resists the proud, keeping them so far away from Himself, it is then important for Him to humble the beloved. And Fire is one of the best ways to achieve this act of God. Meditate on this summation of Nebuchadnezzar; A king of the great Babylon, who was humbled by God in his pride. Being driven away from the throne to eat grass as beast for seven years before his kingdom was later restored unto him.

“Now, I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the king of heaven, all whose works are truth, all his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase”. Daniel 4:37.

There are some Christians that are so simple, gentle, humble, lovely, with quiet and meek spirit. But not al 1 of them were born like that. They are only products of the fire of God to humble the pride.

7.         THE TRYING FIRE

“When ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”.  1 Pet. 1:6,7.

Not all mouth confessions really come from the heart. For God to really know those who are His. For Him to know the genuiness of the salvation of His converts. The stuff His children are made up of. How dependable and reliable they are as Christians; it is His acts at diverse times to introduce the TRYING FIRE.

The trying fire is met to examine the genuiness, authenticity and worth of our faith. This fire comes in form of temptations, which comes not directly from God, but that receives the heavenly limited permission to Satan(Read James 1:13; Job 1:7 12;2:1 6). Such is the case observed in Job (Job 1:7 12; 2; 1 6). The Lord gave Satan the permission to destroy all he had and his flesh. Only to know if he would deny and curse God or not. He lost his children and properties. He was afflicted with terrible sickness only for God to try or test his faith.

The satanic manifold temptations that accompany Christian afflictions is the trying fire, in the heat of the fire of the affliction, Satan works on the love, commitment, zeal, faithfulness, promises, vows of the victim. Will he begin to grow cold in his love for the master? Lose his commitment, dedication and zeal to the things of the kingdom? Will he break covenants and deny his promises and vows? Will he go after other gods? Could he do anything in order to get out of the affliction, even if it contradicts the word of God?

Could God be no more God or could He be no more lovely, faithful, mighty, powerful, able, etc; because of the affliction? Satan will help God to know the reaction and endurance of the victim in the midst of the affliction. His real and actual belief in the efficacy of the word of God and able power of God to help in all situations will also be tested and proved.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him”. James 1: 12;KJV.

Behold, the trying fire is an examination that qualifies its victims for heavenly honour. Therefore, be still and know that He is the Lord. He is in control. All shall be well.

8.         FIRE: THE WAY UP

The trying fire just discussed above, is the way up. When it is in the interest of God to take a son to a new realm of glory and honour. Unto an higher spiritual level. An higher level of very unusual anointing. A place of reckoning. When The Lord is prepared to boldly introduce His son and servant to the whole world. (Isaiah 52:13). There is a necessity for the trying fire. It is not a surprising discovery, all that Joseph went through in between his father’s house and the office of second to Pharaoh of Egypt (Gen. 37:23 28; 39).

As he dwell in the house of Portiphar and in the prison. These were heavenly organized ‘Schools^ to examine and test his faithfulness in terms of materialism , loyalty to superiors, immorality, covetousness, endurance, patience, faith in God. Since Joseph was wise and . sensitive enough to see God in the midst of his afflictions and temptations he came out of his examination with success. (Gen. 39:9 45:4 8). No wonder   he did not fail God when He made him lord to all Egypt to preserve life and to bring the whole Israel unto the land of Egypt. (Gen. 45:4 15).

9         THE BROODING HEAT

When chicks are being raised from day old to about six weeks of age, there is a need for source of heat in the brooder house. For the down feathers possessed by chicks is not strong enough to permit their control of environmental temperature. This artificial supply of heat to prevent and shield the chicks from cold is part of their growing process.

Any novice that pays a visit to the brooder house may see an hazard at the consideration of the intensity of the heat. Even the chicks themselves never love the heat intensity to be on the high side; for they move away from the source but not out of the brooder house. There is a sense in this when one considers the acts of God. For He has chosen to make His men in the fire. It is right inside the burning fire that God makes and builds up His men. He has chosen to employ afflictions, temptations, unpalatable experiences to make and build up His men.

Yea! The fire could be very hot; even extremely hot, but it is not meant to burn them up. It is not for their destruction or death. When Joseph said “Here am I” to his father in answering the call to go in search of his brethren (Gen. 37:12 14). Little did he realize that he was signing and submitting an agreement letter into the School of the Spirit where God makes His men Immediately after this, the first course he offered was conspiracy and plot to kill from closed friends and relatives(Gen.37:18 22).

When he was stripped of his coat of many colours and being casted unto the pit (Gen 37: 23 27). It was for him to learn how Satan and men attempt to contend with the glory of God upon a man’s life. How they attempt to stain, remove or bury this glory. How men attempt to pull down God’s beloved Son. When he was sold for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishimeelities (Gen. 37:28). It was for Joseph to know and appreciates through experience, the value men attach to money, even to the detriment of the life of an individual. How carnality has made men to place money above the will, purpose and plan of God for a man’s life. How men could do anything for the sake of money. In Potiphar’s house. Joseph attended School of covetousness, faithfulness and purity (Gen. 39). When Potiphar left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, it was in the making of God to teach him to be faithful in the unrighteous mammon, in order for true riches to be committed into his trust(Gen.38:6;41:56 57Lukel6:9 13).

Along the line, in the house of Potiphar he equally took some courses on Management, Maintaining Integrity in the Midst of Affluence. The daily heat of sexual temptation from Potiphar’s wife that could have promised him a heaven-on-earth if he had yielded  himself up for a future life (Gen. 39:9 10). For diverse and uncountable would have been such cases from women in need of help and admirers who came around him in his greatness (Gen: 41:37 44).

Consider, how terribly bad he would have felt when he was wrongly accused of the offense he did not commit And how the news spread so fast to defame him (Gen. 39:14 -20).

He could have taught or even said: “It is finished”. Nevertheless, it is a school to humble him. To deal with the pride in him. Well, at this stage, it was not finished, for the same mouth that proclaimed the fall of Joseph also celebrated his greatness. From time ages past to the present age, God has chosen to use the silent years of his children to build up His grace, power, anointing, gifts and fruits of the Spirit in them. The period God sometimes deliberately put His words in their mouth in “prison” and they are not heard. When they are not seen for sometime. May be because of sickness, other afflictions or for any other reason.

So, in the silent period of Joseph in the prison yard it was not surprising that fruits of forgiveness, love, patience, humility were developed in him. Similarly, the gifts of wisdom and of interpretation of dreams was developed in him. Also, the anointing of favour, management and the power of the Holy Spirit to live for God.

Though the diverse afflictions of Joseph were not palatable, yet it was through them God made him. For it is right inside a burning fire that God makes His men. It was therefore not a surprise when he made a success in his greatness. That he fulfilled the purpose of God over his life. He remained steadfast, faithful, lovely, spiritual, fervent and zealous of good works for eighty solid years (from age thirty to 110 years when he died) Gen. 41:46,57,45:5 8; 50:18 26.

All because he was made, and that in the burning fire. The thirteen years of The Making Process of Joseph produced Eighty years of faithful and fervent living (Gen. 37: 2; 45: 46; 50: 22 26). I therefore congratulate you and I for the fire that is heating us presently, for it is all for our good and not to harm us. Halleluyah!

10.       FIRE: TO CREATE A HEART OF LOVE FOR HEAVEN

“They were stoned, they were cut up with knives, they were tested, they were put to death with the sword, they went about in sheep skins and in goatskins; being poor and in pain and cruelly attacked. Wandering in waste places and in mountains and in holes in the rocks; for whom the world was not good enough “.   (Heb. 11:37,38) BBE.

One of the reasons why God permits affliction in the lives of His children is for them to lose their heart of love for this world in order to gain or develop a heart of love for heaven. If everything is rosy for a child of God, the tendency is for him to feel relaxed and at home in this alien world.

Affliction is employed by God to make us lose interest in this world, while we yearn for a better country, heavenly, which God has prepared for us. “.. .for who the world was not good enough “. (Heb. 11:38). Affliction makes this world not worthy of living. It makes a child of God not to belong to this world. Opens the eyes and mind of believers to better life in heaven. Thus making us to live for heaven, seeking for grace to take us there.

11.       FIRE: GOD’S WISDOM TO PREPARE BELIEVERS FOR HEAVENLY HOME

“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the lamps of God”.     Rev. 15:2.

Some believers will definitely be saves by fire, in the period of tribulation (Rev. 7: 9 17). Even before the second advent of Christ and the period of Tribulation; some believers while they live will be saved by fire. Problems, difficulties, troubles, lacks, and afflictions of diverse kinds will only help believers to make it to heavenly home.

When Rahab the harlot saw death and destruction confronting her, she quickly repented of her harlotry and sought after the King of heaven and the earth (Joshua 2: 8 14). In the period of the terrible affliction, the wise will repent of all their sins, make necessary confession, restitution and correction. Affliction is therefore. God’s wisdom to prepare believers for heavenly home.

12.       A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIRE

“And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan…” … is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Zech. 3: 1 – 2.

“The Lord said concerning Joshua, the high priest: Is not this a brand plucked out of fire”? A man that has passed through manifold temptations and tough afflictions. It was like he was delivered unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:5).

“… and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him “. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee”.         Zachariah 3: 1b, 2.

His suffering was according to the will of God (1 Pet. 4: 19). And when the time of his suffering was over according to the timing of God, the Lord rebuked Satan on his behalf.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish,  strengthen, settle you”. I Pet. 5:10.

Suffering according to the will of God offers or brings perfection. It is suppose to be for a very short time the Lord receives the co-operation of the victim. Failure of the victim to co-operate with God prolongs the time. The children of Israel were supposed to spend only forty days in the wilderness but they turned it to for years for their non co-operation. Some people will even die in the process, not permitting the Lord to do what 1 wants to do.

“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not” Rev. 2:21.

With suffering according to the will of God, the Lord rebukes Satan in due course if He receives the cooperation of the victim. Bringing the affliction to a stop.

What a Brand Plucked Out of Fire!

Such a brand is perfect, firm or well established in the will of God, and strong.(l Pet.5:10). Such is an holy and honoured vessel in the hand of God (Zach. 3: 3). Such a man will carry, hold, retain, maintain and continue i grow in powerful anointing (Zach. 3:6). A reliable vessel in the hand of God. The Lord will cause such to draw near Him (Zach. 3: 5b). There is a free flow of God’s revelation unto such vessel (Zach. 3:6 10). A brand plucked out of fire are the correct Instruments of Revival for this generation (Jonah 2 and 3). They are the only faithful men that can partake in Nigeria Politics (Genesis 41:46 57).

However, how painful and unprofitable it is on the side of the Lord for a brand plucked out of fire to continue in sin. Or how can one suffer for nothing. Or for him? How terrible will it be on the judgment day for such a soul, for he had rejected the way chosen by the Lord for his sanctification? Your present affliction will not stand the test of time. Maintain your joy, trust and obey the Lord and seek His face now. 

The grace of the Lord be sufficient for you. Amen.

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