We have a large fire pit behind our house that we love to use, especially in the Spring and Fall. Circumstances and weather have prevented us from doing so this year, but I hope to rectify that this week. Sometimes I will sit out there by myself, watching the flames, talking to God, and thinking about all he has done for me.

The Sundays of Easter this year feature readings from 1 Peter. This disciple of Jesus is an interesting fellow. Simon was all in on following Jesus, but he continued to be a bone-headed sinner. That should encourage each of us who love and follow Jesus and continue to make stupid mistakes in our lives.

I just recently heard someone make a connection between Peter and fire. He was talking about how Peter denied knowing Jesus when He was on trial, and how after Jesus was risen, our Lord appeared to His disciples on a beach and restored Peter. In both of those instances, fire was involved. When Peter was in the courtyard of the High Priest, we read:

John 18:18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

That was where Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Then, after the resurrection, Peter and some of the other disciples had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus yelled from the shore that they should try the other side. Immediately, they caught a lot of fish. Peter swam to shore and found Jesus cooking.

John 21:9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

After they ate, Jesus forgave and restored Peter by asking him three times, “Do you love me?” When Peter said he did, Jesus told him to feed His lambs.

On the day of Pentecost, when Jesus sent the promised Holy Spirit to the disciples waiting in Jerusalem, they heard the sound of rushing wind and then:

Acts 2:3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

God’s power and presence at work in them was associated with fire. That should not be too surprising, considering how God appeared to Moses when He revealed His name.

Exodus 3:2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.

God’s powerful presence is still with us. It can burn within us and empower. It is often symbolized in our worship services with flames on candles. He has kept His promise of providing forgiveness and salvation through Jesus, and the flames still burn brightly in the pages of His revealed Word.

Let the flames you see around you in the coming days remind you of God’s fiery, powerful presence in your life.