Wind and Fire

Acts 2:1-4

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Often times in the Bible, wind and fire are symbols of the Holy Spirit of God. Today’s passage has both of them in evidence in the same event. As you read other passages of Scripture, pause and consider the implications of those words appearing as to how the passage might describe something about the Spirit.

As I think about wind, I am reminded of both positive and negative effects. For example, a cool breeze on a hot day versus a cold blast in winter. I think of the wind supporting the majestic wings of an eagle in flight, as opposed to the death and destruction caused by a tornado. The wind carries away the useless chaff while winnowing wheat, versus carrying life-giving pollen and spores for plants.

When I consider fire, I think of its ability to refine impurities out of metal, harden steel, and destroy useless debris. Fire provides light and warmth. It commands respect.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Ask the Father to help you see similar attributes of wind and fire in His Holy Spirit. Take some time to reflect on how the Holy Spirit works with you to refresh, support, distribute, refine, harden, illuminate and warm your life.

Dive Deeper: Study Acts 2; compare with Isaiah 29:9-10.