Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
In our Sabbath School class, we recently were studying the life of Moses and all his journeys from birth to death and everything in between. In one part of our study, we read about the request from Moses to see God. While God didn’t show His face to Moses, He did allow Moses to be in his presence. The result of that meeting was interesting. When Moses returned to the Israelites, they couldn’t look at his face, as it was “glowing” and too bright. God’s presence had reflected onto Moses.
Being reminded of this encounter, it made me think of the Holy Spirit Jesus promised His disciples (and the rest of us) that God would send them for an Advocate. At the time, most likely the disciples didn’t fully grasp what this meant to them and ultimately to the world. They were much more concerned about Jesus leaving them. They didn’t want a replacement, they wanted Jesus to stay. Like always, God knows what we need long before WE know what we need. He knew what the disciples would need for their work ahead.
John 14:26 (NIV) – But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
The Holy Spirit is described as a fire for a few reasons – bringing God’s presence, God’s purity, and God’s passion. We know fire is not only a symbol, but an actual tool God uses. Two examples within Moses’ journey are the burning bush, where God spoke to Moses and then years later leading the Israelites out of Egypt by following a pillar of fire lighting their way at night.
You may have heard the term “On fire for Jesus” – this represents someone very passionate for spreading the love of Jesus to others (hopefully spreading it like a wildfire). Just like Moses’ face, aglow by the reflection of God’s presence, we can pray the Holy Spirit will show us opportunities to “burn” the same way. Our attitude, compassion, and love for others, is how non-believers see the same characteristics of our God. Long ago, the gift of the Holy Spirit was presented to the disciples. The good news – we have that same gift right now. Amen.
This image of flames was captured from a campfire at my home (outside of course).