How does the command to "keep the fire burning" relate to personal devotion today? Scripture Focus “Meanwhile, the fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood, arrange the burnt offering on the fire, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.” (Leviticus 6:12–13) What the Fire Meant in Leviticus • Visible sign of God’s continual presence (cf. Leviticus 9:24) • Ongoing testimony that atonement was always available • Daily reminder that worship is not a one-time event but a perpetual priority • Serves as a literal command given by the Lord—meant to be obeyed exactly as spoken Timeless Principles Carried Forward • God desires uninterrupted fellowship with His people • Sustained devotion requires intentional, regular attention • Neglect quickly quenches spiritual vitality (cf. Proverbs 26:20) • What began with priests is now personal for every believer (1 Peter 2:5) Personal Application: Keeping the Flame Alive 1. Daily fuel—Scripture intake – “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) 2. Consistent surrender—whole-life offering – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1) 3. Active remembrance—thanksgiving and praise – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) 4. Fanned giftings—use what He has entrusted – “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:6) 5. Guarded heart—quick repentance when sin threatens to smother devotion – “Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Practical Steps for Today • Schedule unhurried time with the Lord morning and evening—add fresh “wood.” • Memorize one new verse each week to keep kindling ready. • Turn everyday tasks into moments of worship: silently thank Him while driving, cooking, working. • Serve in your local church; ministry activity supplies oxygen to devotion. • Eliminate “wet logs”: entertainment, relationships, or habits that dampen spiritual fervor. Encouragement from Other Passages • Psalm 39:3—“My heart grew hot within me, and as I mused, the fire burned.” • Jeremiah 20:9—“His word is in my heart like a fire shut up in my bones.” • Luke 24:32—“Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Closing Thoughts The altar fire of Leviticus lit Israel’s nights for centuries; today the Holy Spirit lights our hearts. By faithfully adding the “wood” of Word, worship, and obedience, we honor the Lord’s timeless command: keep the fire burning. |
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