Fire, Water, and Stone
Scripture: “Is not my word like fire’, declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces?'” – Jeremiah 23:29
Observation/Application:
Today’s word reminds me of how I often feel God’s presence when I am out on the country, enjoying nature and God’s beautiful creation.
WATER:
When we go out to enjoy nature, we are usually near water, either a running stream or river, a good fishing pond, or a large body of water like a lake or ocean. And there is a nice cool breeze, it’s like a kiss on the cheek from God who is saying, “Here I am.” And as I think about water, I am reminded of God’s Word and how it is like water that refreshes us and gives us life:
- “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” – John 7:38
- “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 14:14
- “You shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” – Isaiah 58:11
And like water, in addition to refreshing us and giving us life, God’s Word washes us clean:
- “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, – Eph 5:26-27
- “to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,” – Ephesians 5:26
- “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” – John 15:3
STONE:
Another thing that we normally find ourselves doing while enjoying God’s beautiful creation is hiking or climbing. We like to get out there and trample through the dirt, the mud, and the rocks. And in God’s Word I think of Jesus Christ our cornerstone:
- “Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,” – Ephesians 2:20
Wikipedia describes the cornerstone as the foundation stone or setting stone. This is the “first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.” So it shall be in our lives. We get things right with God and the Lord Jesus Chris first, else the rest of our house is offset, and out of alignment, crooked, out of place. And as we would build our homes on a solid foundation, and not sand, so that we can endure the inevitable storms that will come throughout our lives:
- “Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).
And among the rock and stones along our trail of life, is the dirt. And this dirt reminds me of the very thing that God used to form us. Perhaps that is why fresh dirt smells so good.
- “The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” – (Genesis 2:7)
FIRE:
At the end of a good day of activities and enjoying God’s creation, we often relax by a nice campfire. I’m not sure if it is because of all the activities, all of the fresh air, or simply the fire by itself, but I often find myself sitting there and just staring into the fire. It’s like I automatically get consumed and lost in its beauty. That’s how God’s Word is. It warms us from the inside out, starting with our hearts. And once it catches fire, it consumes us. When the blaze gets roaring, we want nothing more and the goodness of the love of Christ can spread quickly:
- “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” – Jeremiah 20:9
The other beautiful thing about the fire is that it provides us light in the darkness. It provides light to help guide us so that we can see which where we should go, to keep us from tripping and falling:
- “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” – Proverbs 6:23
- “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all who are in the house.” – Matthew 5:15
So shall the Word of God be in our lives. Let it shine. Let it guide. And let’s make certain to give it the proper attention and place in our homes and in our lives.
And like water, it burns off the imperfections, and purifies us form the inside out.
CONCLUSION:
As I reflect on today’s verse, I am overcome with peace. Maybe it’s because it is a glimpse back in time on beautiful times and amazing memories. Maybe it is because I know that God reveals the most amazing things through His Word. Whatever it is, I thank God for this Word today. Let’s pray that the Word of God touches us each time we are enjoying His beautiful creation, as we kick up the dirt, tramp through the mud, climb a few rocks, skip a few stones, dip our toes in the water, take a nice cool drink, or sit by the campfire. God is so, so good. Thank you Lord, for today is the day that You have made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! – (Psalm 118:24).
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. I pray that as we are out enjoying Your beautiful creation, that we are reminded of Your Word. I pray that looking around at your amazing creation, and relating it to Scripture, becomes more natural to us each and every day. I pray that it helps us understand You more Lord, and brings us closer to You. I pray that we stay connected to You more Lord, all throughout the day, so that at all times, and in all ways, we can experience your amazing love, and beauty, and fullness through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you so very, very much for all that you have done, and all that you continue to do. Guide our every step, our every Word, our every thought. Let your Will be done, and help us see and know and use the talents that you gave us. We give all of the honor and glory to You, now and forever, in Jesus mighty name.
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