"Controlled Burn"

EPISODE 110

Let God Refine You

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You've probably heard the phrase "fighting fire with fire." It may seem counterintuitive, but if you're a firefighter, starting a small controlled burn is an effective way of keeping a brushfire from spreading. By burning a line in the fire's path, you create a barrier that the fire can't cross.

As Jesus taught his disciples in Luke 12, he told them of a similar approach to saving us from certain destruction.

His Fire

"I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!" (Luke 12:49).

Fire reveals impurities from metal so they can be removed. And God's fire refines us in the same way. As Zechariah prophesied, "And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested" (Zech. 13:9). It's this fire that tests our works and our firm foundation in Christ (1 Cor. 3:13-15).

So, since fire can reveal the real strength of our faith, what will testing show about you?

His Baptism

"I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!" (Luke 12:50).

Wait a second, wasn't Jesus already baptized by John? He was, but water baptism isn't what he's talking about here. In this case, he's referring to his upcoming death on the cross. He's about the pay the ultimate price for our sins, and he's deeply troubled by the thought. But it's his death that prevents our eternal death — like fighting fire with fire!

So, if Christ was willing to endure the pain of crucifixion for us, what are you ready to pay?

Our Division

"Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law" (Luke 12:51-53).

Jesus didn't come to bring peace? Doesn't that contradict passages like Isaiah 9:6, where he's called the "Prince of Peace?" Don't miss his statement "on the earth" here! Christ didn't sacrifice himself to merely bring harmony between men. He came to bring peace between us and God (Rom. 5:1), not peace for the unfaithful who reject him. He created a barrier between believers and unbelievers through his death — a division that you may even find in your own family!

So, have you accepted that following Christ may put you at odds with those you love?

These are hard words to accept from Jesus. But may God refine our faith and help us pass the test of fire that we'll all face someday!