A Consuming Fire Scripture: Deuteronomy 9:3 – Therefore understand today that the Lord your God is He who goes over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and bring them down before you; so you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has said to you.
As we “cross-over” into 2020, we transition into a new year, a new decade and a new season of intense challenges and immense opportunities. This crossing-over has different dimensions and meanings for each person and each family. However, our God is keenly aware of every aspect and detail of our lives and the direction that we are headed. ‘He knows the path that your feet will tread’. He is a fierce protector and defender of His people. When His people are moving toward a place of destiny that He has prepared for them He goes before them, makes provision, provides divine protection and defeats all enemies; no matter how great, strong or determined the enemy may be.
Deuteronomy 9 describes God’s instruction to Moses as He prepares Israel to cross-over the Jordan that day to the place of promise. He prepares them by warning them of the great and powerful enemy nations they will face as they move forward to complete this great transition. In verse 3, God gives His assurance through Moses “that the Lord your God is He who goes over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and bring them down before you; so you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has said to you.”
In this powerful vow, the Lord God describes Himself as their fierce defender who will lead, guide and protect them from their enemies as they cross-over to the place of promise. As a consuming fire, God describes His wrath against the enemies of His people. God’s wrath utterly destroys and consumes anything in His path. God’s being a consuming fire is an important part of His nature and is His defense of His holiness. His holy fire consumes anything that is unholy. It also separates His nature from that of sinful man.
As you cross-over into this year to fulfill the plans God has for your life, seek His face diligently in prayer. Get to know His heart for you and obey His instruction. Know that you have an adversary the devil ‘who walks about seeking whom he may devour” who wants to destroy you. You will face other enemies as well: fear, doubt and your flesh among others. But be reminded that your God is
a consuming fire who goes before you who leads, guides and protects you from all enemies. When He defeats them, you will fulfill God’s purposes and move toward the destiny He has for you.
It’s Time to Pray: Almighty God, you are a consuming fire who goes before me to defeat my enemies. As I cross-over into this new year, I surrender to your will and plan for my life and pledge obedience to your commands. I desire to do your will, fulfill your purposes and move toward the destiny you have planned for my life. In Jesus’ Name – Amen!
