"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire ..." - Matthew 3:11
Are you fired up?
Water reminds us of Spirit and of fire.
It is a strange paradox, for water often quenches fire. However, firefighters will tell us that there are some fires that not only cannot be quenched by fire, but grow with the introduction of water.
So it is with repentance. God observes the intention of our hearts and we long for new life and yearn for change. Jesus is who we need because He has the power to do what water cannot do.
The symbolic water of outward repentance signifies the inner fire of new life.
The Son of God is the worthy one. Brother John knew that he was His messenger and that all he did and said was to point the way to Jesus. Though he was as great as any man born of woman, he keenly sensed his comparable unworthiness. Jesus himself would explain that the very least in God’s Kingdom would be greater than the greatest specimen of human nobility.
All of that was because of the introduction of a new factor in the human experience: the possibility of men and women being completely immersed in the Holy Spirit and fire.
Water could demonstrate repentance, but fire would burn away all the remnants of sin through a deep cleansing process within and the Spirit would empower us to face temptations, trials and challenged with unprecedented energy.
Fire grows under the proper conditions and it heats everything up. So it is with those who have been immersed in God’s Spirit. His fire rages within them and brings heat and light to a cold, dark world. It is more than enthusiasm, though it often manifests itself as such. It is more than passion, though it ignites a passion so deep that nothing can douse it. It is more than energy; it is a result of divine energy.
It is God’s very presence in our lives.
Like John, we are unworthy, but we are destined for greatness – not of our own making, but of His. His Spirit within fires us up.
Lord, burn away every bit of chaff and rubble in my life.With water and with fire, purify my thoughts, intentions, motives, and deeds.Set my soul afire to burn with passion and love.Clear away the rubble and let your flame burn until there is no more fuel.
