Communion In The Flames

“From what appeared to be His waist up,
He looked like gleaming amber,
flickering like a fire.

And from His waist down,
He looked like a burning flame,
shining with splendor.

All around Him was a glowing halo,
like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day.

This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me.
When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground…”
Ezekiel 1:27-28

It really is a most amazing relationship, this communion in the flames.

While warming myself in front of the open wood stove this morning, I noticed tiny pieces of ash dancing on top of the stove. It seemed they were drawn to the edge, wanting to dive off and return to the flames. But just as they dropped off, the heat waves caused the ash to swirl up and land back on top of the stove.

I watched this mini-drama play out over and over in just a few seconds.

I wondered: Is this a picture of living at the altar of communion?

We are drawn by an undeniable force, closer and closer to our Creator-God. The flame of His love and glory pulls us in as we bask in His warmth. But at an invisible edge between soul and spirit, the intensity of His fire seems to blow us back at the revelation of His purity and majesty. Over and over, drawn closer yet overwhelmed by His presence.

As the Body of Christ we have come through a season emphasizing the fatherly love of God. This has been a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, bringing significant healing to many and paving the way to living lives of true worship. There is nothing I love more than sitting at the feet of my Father.

But in basking in the love and kindness of our God, I also sense a caution: We must never forget or minimize that He is also a holy and consuming fire.

If we aren’t careful, we will diminish Him down to our level instead of rising to His.

Our sovereign, all-powerful Creator is not a tyrant, but neither is He a pushover. Jehovah draws us to Himself with an intensity of love that drove Him to the cross, yet He radiates a fire of holiness that consumes in us all that is not of Him. If we find ourselves feeling only goosebumps of love but never the fear of God and the sting of purification we might make sure the coals within are still burning hot. It is the combination of both love and holiness that reveals the heart of our God.

Enjoying Amy’s encouragement? Click here to read more inspiring words for the soul ~ Greater Than Our Frailty

Learn more about gifted faith writer Amy Layne Litzelman