Man On Fire

With much respect to the Denzel Washington blockbuster, that's not what we are talking about today. Last Friday I went out to mow the back yard and burn some brush that I had cut down a couple of weeks earlier. The rain had been relentless for two days so I knew there wouldn't be any burn bans; I also knew the brush would difficult to light. I used dryer lint (great for fire starting), and gasoline with my first attempt to ignite a blaze. As expected the gasoline quickly burned leaving the brush pile in tact. I proceeded to cut the grass hoping the heat of the day would dry the debris out a little more.

As I finished the yard, I noticed the embers left behind from the first attempt were no longer smoking. I put away the lawn mower; then picked up my gas can as I approached the charred, yet un-burned brush. I was certain that with a little extra boost from the gasoline, the pile would catch fire and burn as intended. I began to pour the gas; then the unmistakable sound of igniting fuel filled my ears. I was suddenly surrounded with flames. Consciously I try to protect the near full gas container in my hand, what is most likely a few seconds seems like eternity as I struggle to get out of the flames. Finally, I dropped the can and ran toward the house. Almost instantly the shock of what just happened begins to set in; my hands are shaking, I am breathing hard, and my chest feels like it has touched the sun. Fortunately I received only a few minor burns on my face and chest.

You see, I had no idea that deep down, there was still a red hot ember waiting to ignite. I didn't know, but God knew. God also knows that we sometimes fall away from him and as a result our flame is diminished, but not out. Certainly there are times when our hot coal may need fuel to re-kindle itself, but Jesus is in control of how much. Under no circumstances do we have the authority to pour gas on God's fire. I tried to spark a flame that in truth, was already burning; and as a result, I got burned. This is what I perceived from the incident and it is my prayer that you will always check the brush pile first, to see The Lords plan; I know I will.