I have come to bring fire to the earth

SCRIPTURE Luke 12:49
I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.

COMMENT
Fire gives forth not only light but also heat.

After being empowered to “make disciples of all nations”, by being baptised “with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Luke 3:16), Spirit filled persons should be supernaturally enlightened so as to enlighten others, but also fired with zeal for their own spiritual growth, striving to “excel in the spiritual gifts [charisms] that build up the Church (1 Cor 14:12).

So important is this charismatic imperative that Paul adds a caveat: “Do not extinguish the Spirits fire” (1 Thess 5:19).

Being blessed with the infilling of the Spirit should make us a blessing to others.

As fire tends to spread, so also does the Spirit’s love-inflaming presence in “those who are his very own” (Titus 2:14)

The Spirit-fire is sanctifying for those who received it, but for it to spread it must also be refuelled or kindled.

Source: Keep The Faith But Not To Yourself
Rev John Hampsch