Heb 12:28-29 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire. NKJV

Throughout Scripture, fire has been a symbol of God’s presence. Notice some of these passages, and then we will notice the lessons.

In Exodus 3:1-4 God made himself known to Moses through the burning bush. Moses was attracted by the bush on fire, and “turned aside” to see the sight, God told him to take off his shoes, because he was now standing on holy ground. Why? It was because Moses was in the presence of God.

Later, in Exodus 19:18, the children of Israel are gathered around Mount Sinai to receive the law of God. The Bible tells us that the mountain was on fire, again emphasizing that this was where God was. Under penalty of death, neither man nor beast could touch the mountain!

When Solomon built the temple many years later, God showed all who were in attendance at that event that his presence was in the temple by sending fire down from heaven (2 Chronicles 7).

As Ezekiel is transported in rapturous visions to the throne of God, he sees the throne of God on fire, suggesting that God was coming in judgment on Judah for her sins, but also that God sits in righteous judgment on all people (Ezekiel 1:1-4).

As the priests were to serve before God in the tabernacle, they were instructed not to let the fire go out on the altar (Leviticus 6:13).

Jesus, in Luke 12:49 said that he has come to bring fire on the earth.

In the context of Hebrews 12, the Hebrew writer warns that we need to listen to the voice from heaven, because we have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. He emphasizes that we do this so that we may serve God acceptably and with godly fear. Then he says, “Our God is a consuming fire.”

Some lessons?

FIRE REPRESENTED THE PRESENCE OF GOD. And, more often than not, when God came in fire, he came in judgment on those to whom judgment was deserved. Could it be that is the reason why Jesus so clearly defined hell as a place that burned with fire and brimstone?

FIRE REPRESENTED THE VOICE OF GOD. When he spoke to Moses and the children of Israel, God used fire to represent his awesome power and omnipotence. He expected fully for all to listen to him. We need to learn to listen to God with reverence and respect due him. We need to listen to his word with the same respect and reverence. Consider in some of our assemblies today that we do not hear the word of God. Consider also that in some assemblies today that we don’t show the respect for the word of God that we need to have.

IT’S NOT WISE TO PLAY WITH FIRE. One of the worst punishments I ever received growing up was when I sat and struck matches in the house. I was fascinated by fire. Many others obviously feel the same way, because if there is a fire in a house, and see how many onlookers come to see the fire.

Many try to play God, or play with God and his words, not realizing that they are playing with fire. Our God is a consuming fire. He will not be trifled with.