Who Is This God That Answers By Fire?

Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones …. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God ~ 1 Kings 18:38-39.

Introduction

Human beings sometimes allow themselves to be entangled with myriads of erroneous ideas and false worship, leading to vain exertions that naturally waste time and energy. In particular, false idols leave us bled out and used up, but the true God rather builds us up and ministers to us to be effective witnesses unto His power, grace and glory.

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah put God on the scene to demonstrate the stark contrasts between the real God and the false idols. He stated that the true God is the One who would send fire down from heaven in response to the cry of His servants. The prophets of Baal tried in vain, but when Elijah called upon the living God, fire fell from on high and consumed the sacrifice.

By the way, what does it mean that God “answers by fire”? It means He shows forth in power distinctly to reveal His almightiness, and to enforce positive changes in the lives of His people. As is characteristic of fire, God answers visibly, rapidly, undeniably, easily and unquestionably to destroy the pretensions of His enemies.

In that contest, God’s fire convincingly answered in vengeance to neutralize the enemies of His people, and to turn the destiny of a nation around for good. No wonder, when the people saw the fire, they fell on their faces and said, “The LORD, he is the God”. Indeed, the real God answers by fire, and He is the One deserving of our complete loyalty and heartfelt worship today (1 Kings 18:17-24).

However, God is very particular as to the manner in which men seek and worship Him. We can maximize the benefits of His gracious investments in our lives only when we truly know Him and worship Him genuinely. Knowing Him is eternal life, and worshipping Him in spirit and truth is real living in this present world.

Who Is This God That Answers By Fire?

The God that answers by fire is the same ancient biblical God of Israel, the Almighty who defeated His enemies by His incredible power, defended His people and brought them out of their age-long enslavement in Egypt (Exodus 13:14). He showed all other gods and idols of the land that He is the God Almighty.

He is the same God who speedily answered the fervent prayer of Elijah, judged the enemies of His people with fire, uprooted evil from the land, utterly silenced Baal, a counterfeit-God, and openly disgraced her false prophets. He also mocked the gods of the land that were claiming to be the real God. Thereafter, He opened the heavens and released an abundant rain to terminate the terrible drought.

Undoubtedly, this God is the prayer answering God. He rules the heavens and the earth; even the spirit realm is subject to Him. The winds and the rain obey His voice. Clouds roll back at His command; He also walks on the raging storms of life. Sicknesses flee at the mention of His name. Even Satan and his minions tremble at His presence. And, hell runs out of business when we call on Him.

This God is very unique in every sense. He does great things past finding out, and wonders without number (Job 9:10). Nothing can stand in His way; His fire has tremendous capacity to consume stones, dust, water, solids and liquids. Every obstinate problem is liquidated by the intense heat of the Lord’s fire. No problem, no sickness, no lack in your life can stand it.

Yes, He is the real God of authentic miracles and incredible signs. Nothing is too hard for Him to do. He is the true God of fire and power! He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God that parted the Red Sea into two. He is Jehovah-Elohim, the Creator of all things. He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord our Provider. He is Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord our Peace. He is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our Banner. He is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord our Healer!

Who is this God that answers by fire? He is the Jehovah-Raah, the Lord our Ever-Present Shepherd. He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness. He is Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord Who is there! He is Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. He is Jehovah El-Elyon, the Most High God!

Yes indeed, He is the Rock of Ages, the Ever-Present Help in times of trouble, the Ancient of Days, the Covenant-Keeper, the Wonderful, Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the King of glory, the fearsome Lion of the Tribe of Judah,  the Fourth Man that walked free in the fiery furnace, the One Who was, Who is and Who is to come!

He is the Almighty God, our Deliverer, our Chief Cornerstone, the Lily of the Valley, our Saviour, our Wisdom, our Teacher, our Shield, our Buckler, our Glory, the Lifter of our heads, our Source and Provider, our Advocate, our Helper, our Strong Tower, our Comforter, our Burden-bearer, our Light, the Everlasting God. He is the I am that I am, the One Who is whatever you want Him to be for you. He’s the Mighty One in battle!

No doubt, our Jehovah-God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His breath is ever full of fire, and He answers speedily. He is the Father of spirits, the Father of glory and our Father-God. His character is ever consistent, and whatever He did before, He can do again (Deuteronomy 4:24).

Today, His power and energy will step into your situations to give you testimonies, if only you step up in your obedience and faith levels. He still settles all controversies by His fire (1Kgs 18:21). He still administers instant judgments to deserving enemies, and still buries the enemies of His people in a hurry. He can still uproot evil from our nations by His power.

Meanwhile, Jesus Christ our Saviour and Kinsman-Redeemer is Who Jehovah-God has been to Israel over the ages, and He is the Anointed Answer to all the problems of the world today (Isaiah 9:6-7). Having faith that God is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him, is the key to receiving things from God (Hebrews:11:6). When we call on Him in faith, believing in His promises, God does the impossible. You won’t miss Him, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy Sunday!

• Bishop Taiwo Akinola,

Rhema Christian Church,

Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

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