Seattle, June 13, 2005. (16)
THE SMOKING FURNACE AND THE BURNING LAMP. Abram had prepared his sacrifice before the Lord In the darkness of the night a dual fire appeared. It must have been a very impressive sight for him to behold as in the darkness these extremely bright objects of light become visible. Gen. 15:17 We have to ask, why two? The burning furnace. According to Easton, it was an oven for the baking of bread, which is a symbol of the Word of the Lord. The true bread. The blazing lamp is to suggest the presence of the Holy Spirit. Breaking the darkness is the Covenant of the Lord. Sealed and verified by the presence and light of the Living Word and the power and glory of the Holy Spirit. The Lord made Himself known by fire.
THE MANIFESTATION OF THE LORD IN FIRE TO ISRAEL.
The glory and fire of the Lord was revealed to them when He came down to Mount Sinai. The sight was so awesome that the people standing at the base of the mountain shook for fear at the sight unfolding before them. The greatest storm ever rested upon that area, as they heard the thunder and the voice of the trumpet and saw the lightning from the cloud that was upon the mountain. Ex. 19:16 The cause was the mighty presence of the Lord as He descended in fire and the smoke of a mighty furnace. Even the mountain trembled at His presence. Ex. 19:18 Would Moses dared to have gone up had not the Lord called him to approach Him? Moses was indeed a brave man.
The fire of the Lord came into the camp of Israel because the Lord was angry with them over their constant complaining against Him. Now, are we not glad that we live under the New Covenant? The Lord did not like it then and He still does not like those who complain. Num. 11:1-3.
The fire of the altar was ignited by the Lord Himself. Lev. 9:24 That fire was to be perpetually maintained by the priest. Showing the everlasting, eternal nature of the Lord. Lev. 6: 12-13 At the time of the dedication of the temple, following the prayer of Solomon, the Lord came down in fire and revealed His glory to the children of Israel. Showing His delight with the temple which was dedicated to Him. 2 Chr. 7:1-3 The glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. causing the people to worship. The people of Israel certainly learned that Jehovah was a God of fire. We pray for another visitation of the fire of the Holy Spirit upon the body of Christ throughout this world.