The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Revelation 3:14-22

“Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall no go out.”
Leviticus 6:13

On Fire

Throughout the history of God’s people in the Old Testament, there was to be a continuous fire on the altar of the Tabernacle and of the Temple. This was not to be a destructive fire, but it was to serve a twofold function. First, it was always to be ready to receive any burnt offering that anyone wished to bring. Then it was to symbolize the presence of Yahweh, who promised to be with His people in a cloud visible during the daytime and by a pillar of fire during the night.
Symbolically, there should always be a fire burning on the altar of our hearts; it should never go out. This is the fire of faith, faith in Christ as the Savior from sin. It is also the fire of a confident trust, never to go out, even though it might become “a smoldering wick” [Matthew 12:20]. There is also the fire of love to God and love to man. It is to be burning brightly, so brightly that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Finally, there is there is the fire of enthusiasm about our faith, our Church, our Lord. Unless there is this fire, there is little hope of God’s blessing upon us. He is displeased and disgusted with the lukewarm, who are neither cold nor on fire.
Fire Thou me, O Christ, with heavenly zeal, that all my life, my time, my treasures, and my talents be dedicated to Thy service. Amen.

August 08, 1960