Women's Focus Ministries

FOREST FIRE (devotional for Sunday 4/22/12)

A forest gives us a view of the cycle of life. God created and placed in this microcosm an amazing variety of living things. As the life cycle of an organism ends, it becomes food or compost or serves some purpose for other things there that are still alive. Have you ever seen a forest fire? The overwhelming power of the flames and heat and smoke engulf everything in it's path. There is no regard for anything in the way - whether stationary or moving, rooted or running or rising into the air. It is all-consuming. Sinfulness is much like a forest fire; it can consume our entire being when we are separated from Christ.

Surely wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns, it sets the forest thickets ablaze, so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke. Isaiah 9:18 NIV

Sometimes we think of sinfulness or wickedness only as major immoral acts, like stealing or murder. But sin can be very sneaky. Even when it seems like just a little white lie, or an unhealthy thought, it is still sin, and that can be even more dangerous because we may not even realize the weight of what we have done. It becomes invasive and we may not even realize how big it has grown inside of us. Think of how even our words can harm others. It is like a spark in dry kindling when we use our tongues to cut others down or lead them astray.

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6 NIV

But we also know that what can bring great destruction can also bring about new life. The heat of a forest fire can make the pine cones open up to release more seeds to plant new trees. The thick underbrush consumed by the flames makes way for new growth on the ground. The forest springs back to life after being destroyed by tongues of fire. We know that our own tongues, though sinful, also can provide a great witness to others of God's great love and mercy. Our mouths can speak words that give glory to God and bring the good news of salvation to others. We are tools for God here on earth, helping plant the seed of faith in Christ in other people's hearts, which brings them new life.

Dear Father in heaven, forgive me for the times when I have sinned, especially unknowingly. Please extinguish my sinful tongue of fire and make it into an effective tool for your glory. May the good news of your forgiveness and salvation spread like wildfire! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Written by Jan Andersen