“I went down, down, down and the flames rose higher …
If you know that old song, you’ll sense what I felt watching smoke rise and a glowing horizon during the 2013 Warrumbungle fires near Coonabarabran.
The inferno came within 900 metres of my home before turning away.
Our town exhaled in relief.
This is Australia – we live for sun, sand, and surf, but our summers always bring fire.
Each year someone grieves, and we grieve with them.
And in all this, some ask, “Where is God?”
We live in a broken world, yes, but the deeper question is: Who is God?
Scripture tells us that God created the earth, that He is good, kind, and loving.
Yet in the New Testament, Hebrews 12:29 declares, “Our God is a consuming fire.”
Not literal flames, but a powerful metaphor – a reminder of God’s holiness.
He longs to be united with His children but each person turns their back and goes their own way.
Just as parents ache when their children rebel, so God’s heart breaks.
But there’s hope.
The verse before says, “We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.”
God offers safety from consuming flames.
Just like a safe house when there’s a bushfire approaching, through Jesus there is safety and new life for those who want to be part of this new kingdom (the one we pray for when we say the Lord’s prayer).
The work is done, the way prepared.
So, what now?
When you accept God’s gift, gratitude and worship follow.
“Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
Why not join us in church?
You will find a friendly face there.
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