What does it mean to rekindle the fire? Years ago our only heat was a fireplace, and it was important never to let the fire die. Each cold night, we would “bank the fire” by putting cold ashes over the red-hot coals. In the morning we would remove the ashes and rekindle the remaining smoldering hot coals. At times as you look at the heap of ashes you feel there is no hope. But as you remove the ashes, the burning coals beneath the ashes still remain hot. You have rekindled the fire. Yea! Then sit back, be comfortable, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of the fireplace. Aaah!
The Scriptures describe the value of burning coals in Bible days. “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee” (Prov. 25:21-22; Rom. 12:20). This strange statement in both the OT and NT does not mean to use coals of fire as revenge, but as an act of kindness that brings rewards from the Lord. Give him bread to eat and water to drink. Then as he leaves, heap coals of fire on his head. Jewish Custom: “In Bible days they heaped hot coals of fire on special containers placed on the heads, not the hands, of their traveling guests. Then when they arrived home they simply removed the remaining hot coals into their fireplace and rekindled the fire.” (ebible.com/questions).
Starting a fire in Bible days required much time and effort with little results (no matches). It was a blessing to have hot coals available to rekindle a quick fire. Caution: Do not let the burning coals die as dead ashes cannot be re-flamed or rekindled. So don’t let the fire go out. Also when there is no preparation there is no prevention. The fire must be banked and the cold ashes removed. As long as the coals remain hot or even warm there is hope of rekindling the fire. Sometimes you must keep fanning and blowing until you see flames. Once it flames again there is hope.
Does it seem that your life, business, marriage or ministry is dying? There is still hope, don’t give up. Notice some who thought the fire had died, but did not give up hope, now experience even greater joy, appreciation, and love. The cold remaining coals finally burst aflame and were burning hot again. Yea! Others can do it and so can you. Remember the process. Before the fire goes out, bank the coals, then on cold mornings, remove the ashes, fan and blow on the remaining coals, add paper, and kindle until the flames burst into warmth and comfort again. You rekindle the fire – Yea!
Realize there are times in all our lives, marriages, and ministries that we need to remove the ashes and rekindle the fire. What you once had, you can have again and maybe even better. You will be glad you did and so will your friends, enemies, mate, children, parents, and the Lord. Is it time for you to rekindle the fire?
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