Acts 2. “There came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind… and divided tongues of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:2-3)

Once upon a time I was invited to preach on Pentecost Sunday. The visible tongues of fire resting on individual heads has always fascinated me – so unusual and amazing – and I wondered how the phenomenon was understood by the people who were in the room that day. I did a little research and discovered that God’s presence as fire has always been part of Israel’s history. Here’s a quick recap.

God-as-Fire was visible:
At Abraham’s covenant ceremony (Genesis 15);
With Moses and burning bush (Exodus 3:2);
As fire on Mt Sinai while God met with Moses (Exodus 19:18,24:17);
At the dedication of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:23-24);
Four times as destructive fire poured out the judgment of God:
              On Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24),
              On the sons of Aaron (Leviticus 10:1-2),
         On Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16:35), and
          On those who complained (Numbers 11:1-3);
At the dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-4);
As fire from heaven destroyed the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18);
As Elijah departed for heaven with the chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11); and
As Elisha’s servant’s eyes are opened to see the horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:17).

Israel was often reminded that, “The Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:15,24). John the Baptist told everyone that, “One is coming who will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).

Therefore, we understand what happened at Pentecost is the fire that is the presence of God moved from the desert wilderness to the tabernacle, to the temple, and finally at Pentecost to the lives of individual believers. The tongues of fire that rested on individuals marked the presence of God and the arrival of the Holy Spirit – but also the birth of a new era where we as Christ followers are the temple. “… your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19). His glory rests on us, His presence dwells within us as individuals now. The church was born on Pentecost, born for the purpose of bearing witness to Jesus and completing his mission of expanding the kingdom of God.

In the words of young people today, “God is fire!” (I think that means He is amazing…)

What natural properties of fire can you think of? What happens in the presence of fire? How does the reality of God-as-Fire change your thinking?

What stood out to you in Acts 2?