Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Fire-fighter (10/05/06)
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TITLE: The Fire of Sacrifice | Previous Challenge Entry
By David Johnston
10/11/06 -
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Gabriel looked down, looks down; his wings lowered as his piercing blue eyes pick holes in the wool of the clouds. His voice seemed to echo: “The fire fighter’s heroic death. The Lamb’s final sacrifice. And yet, and yet...” Gabriel had seen the fire. He saw the sparks, the flames fanned into tormenting, flashes of red, consuming all in their path. “A hero’s death, but who was it who started the fire? A martyr’s sacrifice, but who was it who breathed down fire from heaven? Who was it? Yes, yes, I saw it all. I saw the fire fighter, petrol can in his hand, threatening the man for raping his daughter; I saw the Lion of Judah pronouncing wrath on all those who sin against Him. I saw the rescue, the death, but I also saw the beginning: the destruction before the salvation.”
The angel Gabriel continued in a voice which could herald a new dawn: “I can quote Scripture for you: “everlasting fire”, “wailing and gnashing of teeth”. Yes, yes I know the words, the proclamations. Dare we - would it be blasphemous? - might we even call them threats? Let me read to you “For behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with His chariots, like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire”. Now who does that sound like to you? The fire fighter or the arsonist? Let His word speak for Him: “For by fire and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh”.” The angel’s voice swirled in the clouds as he raised himself to his full height, overlooking all the kingdoms of the world. ““Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels”.” Gabriel remembered, shuddered, but quickly regained his train of furious thought. “By fire you will be judged. You will be condemned to the everlasting fire. Yes, it is this that is the word of the Lord.”
It came slowly, but fully: a rushing fire of heavenly smoke arose, appearing before Gabriel. A whirlwind of fury yet love, of anger yet joy; a whirlwind containing, masking, revealing a glorious presence. “Holy” muttered Gabriel; wings covering his face. “Holy” shouted Gabriel, unable to do anything more. “Holy” sang Gabriel, his lowly face transformed by the divine presence.
Fire fighter or arsonist: Lamb or Lion. In the heavenly realms a whole host of angels began to sing. They’d seen the wrath, they’d seen the sacrifice and still they sang, still they sang. “Hallelujah,” roared from the creatures, “For the wedding of the Lamb has come”. Gabriel’s eyes, a dull grey compared to the Lord’s, surveyed the scene. The Lamb was there; or was it the Lion? There was fire: a refining fire, spiritual flames, fire from God with a purpose that could only be good. And coming up from the fire. Gabriel’s nostrils twitched. Coming up from the fire. “Holy, holy, holy” sang Gabriel. Coming up from the fire was a new creation: a glorious, holy body; that corpulent body, no longer a corpse, no longer a sinner. Saved from wrath, saved by sacrifice, saved by the blood of the Lamb. Gabriel sang; the heavenly chorus praised. The Lion and the Lamb. An offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.
Note:-
Direct quotations from Scripture are as follows: Isaiah 66:15 (NKJV); Isaiah 66:16a (NKJV); Matthew 25:41 (NKJV); Revelation 19:7 (NIV).
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