In The Face Of The Fire

IN THE FACE OF THE FIRE

INTRODUCTION

Purpose: to continue feast theme and consider our ordained works, also consider leadership.

Fire –   What does it bring to mind when you think of fire:-

Traumatic experience, fear, disaster etc

OR     

Comfort, warmth, cosiness etc (putting your feet up)

What would Moses have thought of.

3 times in Moses life when he encountered fire.

            Burning Bush

            Pillar of fire & cloud

            Sinai

Each time Moses received something different:

1. A CALL
2. LEADING
3. REVELATION

Each time one thing was the same: - THE PRESENCE OF YAHWEH

Is the presence of Yahweh FRIGHTENING OR COMFORTING?

What does it relate to in scripture?

            H.S., purification – What else???)

Let’s consider the three instances when Moses encountered fire. How it affected him.

1. THE BURNING BUSH – CALL

The call came at the end of 60 years of :

a)      availability

b)      preparation     (both, probably unknown to Moses)

There had been a time when it would seem that Moses was ready.

He had seen some  needs: –

            Freedom for slaves. Tried to help by murdering taskmaster

            Lack of unity among slaves. Help was rejected

                        Result – he ran away and no needs were met.There are Many needs around us and we may feel we have the necessary strengths to help but have we had a call e.g Gladys Aylward

Moses had strengths? 

See type of man he was at the well when he defended Reuel’s daughters against shepherds.

Exodus 2:17-19 (NASB)
17 Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 18 When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “Why have you come back so soon today?” 19 So they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds; and what is more, he even drew the water for us and watered the flock.”

Soon we find him settling down and becoming a family man and shepherd.

How did he cope with knowledge of his people in Egypt, Probably convinced himself that there was nothing he could do so forget about it.

He was available, but availability not taken up. UNTIL

(N.B. 25 verses deal with first 80 years of life   39 verses deal with 10 minutes. )

These 10 minutes provided something that would lead Hebrews out of slavery and lead them for 40 years?

What happened: - He faced the fire (in the fire was the presence of Yahweh)

The fire came when Yahweh was ready

Previously Moses was ready – Yahweh wasn’t

Only thing that got him to the bush was curiosity

Now Yahweh was ready – Moses wasn’t

Excuses: Exodus 3:11   Who am I?

14      What authority

    4:1     No confidence

10      Not a good speaker

13      Send someone else

Despite these: - HE ACCEPTED THE CALL.

            In his mind the call was not based on reality, or his strengths but past 40 years Yahweh had been preparing him and giving him the strengths that Yw new he would need.

Have you received a call that may not seem to be the thing you are best at

If no call yet, what should I do?

1. BE AVAILABLE
2. BE WILLING TO FACE THE FIRE BE CURIOUS. When H.S. is moving get in there.

1. THE PILLAR OF FIRE (CLOUD) - LEADING

Ex. 13: 17, 18, 21, 22

Obvious, common sense way was via Gaza. But Yahweh wanted them to go to the Red Sea.

Having received the call we then need to know what to do practically.

We need direction.

Yahweh gives us common sense and we should follow but “MY WAYS ARE NOT YOUR WAYS”. The Holy Spirit will lead us. When feel cold, lifeless etc. – are we FOLLOWING the fire of His presence?

            This may be signs & wonders miraculous happenings OR

            The comfort of knowing you are in His will

A second advantage of going the right direction is HIS PROTECTION chpt. 14: 19-25 Nothing can harm us when we are following the directing of the H.S.

No protection in Gaza

Yahweh was   direction and protection to Israel BUT

                        Confusion and destruction to Egypt

“If Yahweh is for us, who can be against us?”

For 40 years they followed the cloud – it was a constant comfort to them.

One more instance when Moses had to face the fire.

1. SINAI - REVELATION

3        months into journey came to Sinai.

3        days people had to prepare.

Yahweh came down in fire. People were afraid but Yahweh revealed Himself.

Gave to Moses and people: -

                        The Law

                        Direction for community living

                        Design for Tabernacle - Symbol of Yahweh’s constant presence.

When Israel walked in those laws they could rely on Yah’s presence and protection. When they settled in the Promised Land they didn’t need the pillar of cloud & fire but they did need the constant presence of Yahweh.

No visible fire, but by keeping the law they were effectively living in fire of Mt. Sinai and Yahweh called them MY PEOPLE

CONCLUSION:

            Be available to receive a call

            Be curious

            Follow His direction

Live in the power of the Holy Spirit. NB don’t need flames of fire. Obedience is enough.