Keep the Fire Burning
One of the worst things that can happen to a church is for its members to lose their zeal. In the book of Leviticus, there was an important instruction that was given to the priests of Israel. “The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out” (Leviticus 6:12-13 ESV). This passage spoke of a physical fire that was to be kept burning. This physical fire was a symbol of God’s ongoing presence and the continuous need for Him. But, as the church today, this ancient instruction still carries a deeper, spiritual significance. Just at the priests were responsible for keeping the fire burning on the altar, we too, as a church, must ensure that the spiritual fire within the church never goes out.
The priests were to tend to the fire throughout every day, adding wood and arranging the offering. Similarly, our spiritual lives along with our fellow Christians spiritual lives need daily attention. Whether it be through prayer, Bible study, worship, or fellowship, we need to continue adding “wood” to the fire. Without persistent and continual devotion to the fire, the strength of the fire will grow dim. As the fire grows dim, it leaves the church vulnerable to the coldness and darkness of the world.
The fire on the altar was not to go out day or night. That called for continual watch over the fire. Similarly, as a church, the members must be watchful, ensuring that the church does not allow complacency, sin, or worldly distractions to weaken the fire for God. Satan is constantly trying to dim the fire and full the church away from its first love, but the members of the church must be relentless in their watch over the flame.
The fire on the altar was a visible sign of God’s presence among His people. In the world today, the spiritual fire of the church should be used as a visible sign of God’s presence. When the church’s fire is burning bright in a dark world, it will draw people towards its warmth and brightness.
“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11 ESV).
