Karel Capek, a Czechoslovakia-born writer and playwright once remarked: “You still stand watch, O human star, burning without a flicker, perfect flame, bright and resourceful spirit. Each of your rays a great idea - O torch which passes from hand to hand, from age to age, world without end.” Hebrews 1:7 reminds us: “Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”
A "living flame" metaphorically represents a strong, vibrant, and sustained energy or passion, often associated with love, devotion, or a burning desire to do something. It can also be said to describe an inner presence of the Holy Spirit, a love for God, or a transformative spiritual encounter. It is often considered as an internal spiritual fire of great hope, which is sparked into ignition by the words of God within a person. It can be considered as a spiritual awakening, an enlightenment, or the Holy Spirit’s activity within the body of man.
In a spiritual context, enlightenment of God, or being enlightened by God, refers to a profound understanding and awareness of the divine, often characterized by a shift in consciousness and a realization of one's true nature as part of the divine. It's a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, where individuals gain insight into the nature of reality and their deep connection to the universe.
Living flames generally represent power, transformation, passion, and purification, but their actual deeper connotations can vary greatly depending on the specific context. They can also symbolize destruction, or judgment for wrongdoings. In religious contexts, flames can be associated with the wrath of God, however, it can also represent the search for truth. Jude 1:7 reminds us: “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
The story of Moses and the burning bush is a well-known biblical example of a "living flame." In this story, God appears to Moses in a bush that is ablaze but not consumed by the fire. This image symbolizes God's presence as both powerful and gentle, and it leads to Moses's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Exodus 3:1-5 reminds us: Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
Whilst fires can sometimes be considered detrimental or destructive in nature, the aftermath has often been said to create new life. This can include rebirth, renewal and transformation. In many cultures and mythologies, fire is associated with purification, cleansing, and the beginning of a new cycle. If a forest fire destroys many of the living trees within it, new opportunities exist for plant growth and subsequent animal life. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 reminds us: “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”
God is our main comforter and protector. God provides comfort and protection through various means, including the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and through the actions and support of others. He offers peace, strength, and hope during times of difficulty, reminding believers of His unwavering love, commitment and promises.
Living flames can not only provide light and warmth, in the darkest and coldest of situations, they can remind us of God’s continued presence. Some believe that they represent a symbolic armor in life which shields and protects. They can be considered a definitive source of meditation and focus. They may indirectly inspire thought processes of imagination, connection or creativity. Watching flames can be relaxing, comforting and peaceful, whilst in this particular tranquil state of mind, one may be transported to a new world of serenity and wonderment. A sense of calmness may descend upon the watchers and alleviation can become prominent, diminishing the everyday problems of life and enhancing the true benefits of one’s immediate surroundings. Jeff Kober, an American actor once remarked: “To become mindfully aware of our surroundings is to bring our thinking back to our present moment reality and to the possibility of some semblance of serenity in the face of circumstances outside our ability to control.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
During adversity, God is ever-present. He constantly provides assurance of protection and love during the arduous trials of life. Even during the most difficult of circumstances, He remains our savior and redeemer. We need to cast aside fears and trust and believe in Him as a loving father would protect his offspring. He calls us by name and declares us as His own, so we have absolutely no need to be in the depths of consternation. Isaiah 43:1-5 confirms: “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.”
Amen.
