Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?… Fire is the life and the light of the world, and, as a symbol, deserves to be studied. Its power has never been ascertained. Every effort made to subdue it is attended with the consciousness of its unconquerable nature. It melts iron, burns marble, changes granite into dust, feeds on wood, evaporates water; and yet, when properly used and ministered unto, it is the health and life of the world. Such is the gospel. Receive it into the soul, and it changes the miser into the benefactor, the slothful into the diligent, and the lukewarm into the fiery apostle who, like Jeremiah, finds a fire in his bones which will consume if it finds not vent. 1. The purpose is avowed — "I am come to send fire." Not to bring, but "send." 2. This fire is sent. It is here, and is yet to be more manifest. 3. The outlook is one of endeavour. Christ is organizing for victory. 4. The urgent need of the Church to receive this fire. 5. Instead of being alarmed when the gospel produces excitement, we are to look for it. 6. Christ longs to have the fire kindled. 7. Behind every fervent prayer is the unreached desire of Christ. 8. The plan is fixed, the fire is to be kindled in the individual heart. (J. D. Fulton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?WEB: "I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled. |
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