On Friday I attended a spectacular science show at Cast Theatre, Doncaster, with my grandchildren. It was a show looking at different sources of energy through experiments and ended by considering the fire triangle with a series of controlled explosions.
The fire triangle tells us that for fire to occur, three ingredients are required: heat, fuel and oxygen. Fire is extinguished when one of those elements is removed.
We are approaching Bonfire Night in England, and last night fireworks were set off in remembrance of Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605 using gunpowder. Fireworks contain gunpowder, an explosive consisting of a powdered mixture of saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal, and often look spectacular as their ‘mini fires’ light the sky, complete with loud bangs.
Gunpowder used to be transported in ‘powder kegs’, barrels used to move the gunpowder from place to place. The volatility of gunpowder made this a dangerous task, as any spark (heat source) could set off the gunpowder en route!
The three ingredients (fire, heat, oxygen) needed for fire have a spiritual parallel when considering the fire of God, that holy fire associated with God’s power and glory. We need God’s word to ignite faith in us (Rom 10:17) and we need God’s Spirit to fan that flame into a fire that burns and does not go out. (2 Tim 1:6)
I’ve always seen the fire triangle drawn as an equilateral triangle, for the three ingredients are all equally necessary. But I think spiritual fire is more like an isosceles triangle. God provides the two key elements – word and Spirit. Yet our faith is still needed, for any potential energy inherent in His word and Spirit still needs our faith (itself a gift of God) to ignite that into spiritual action and energy which can fuel our service.
We need God to set our hearts ablaze. We need the fire of God’s Spirit to rest on us as on the Day of Pentecost so that we hear the words of God and have the faith to believe what He says. The powder keg of faith needs God’s words and God’s Spirit to turn faith from something inert into something vibrant and living. When we hear God speak and the Spirit lights up that word, faith is ignited in our hearts and then we are set ablaze, bringing light and hope and fire to a world desperately in need of these things.
Other countries have fireworks’ displays in summer (think of the USA and France celebrating Independence Day and Bastille Day in July.) It seems fitting for us in England to use fireworks predominantly in November and for New Year’s Day. Fire provides both heat and light. We need the comfort of both, and God’s Spirit and word shine brightest in the darkness. May our faith be ignited so that holy fire burns within us, fuelling us through the dark days of winter ahead.
