I’ve been reading Psalm 119 this morning. Specifically focusing on verses 127-135. It’s speaking of God’s word and commandments. I love verse 130, “The entrance of Thy word gives light…” Gives light, here, means “shine” or “to set on fire”.

I only want to be set on fire by God’s fire; not man made fire, not false fire, not unholy fire. Only the entrance of His TRUTH will bring it!

As I was reading this, it made a connection in my brain with a personal study I’ve been doing this month on “strange fire”. Leviticus 10 is where we read about this strange fire. Nadab and Abihu came into the presence of Holy God with an offering of strange (foreign, profane) fire and it was to their demise. They had total disregard for the prescribed method The Lord had given. Why? Verses 9 and 10 explain it. They came to God in an unholy manner, in a state of uncleanliness. Their minds had become lulled, numbed, casual. When in this state, they were not able to know the difference between holy and unholy, and unclean and clean. They had no idea their lives were at stake when they made this terrible decision!

For us today – may we not become so lulled, numbed, and drunk on this life, so caught up in our desires, or led astray by teachings and false doctrines that make us feel good about our sins, that we no longer approach Holy God with holy fire. God is merciful. He’s allowed strange fire in His house for a season. Yet, I’ve been sensing in my spirit, not very much longer.

Pastors and leaders, it’s our job to make sure our congregations, and especially the leaders in our churches, know that strange fire (profane, unclean and unholy behavior) will not be tolerated. Their lives depend on it. Their spiritual well-being is at stake! Let’s pray for the entrance of God’s truth that will shine light and set us on fire with true and holy fire.