“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” Leviticus 6:13

This was one of the instructions for the altar in the house of God. The priests were to be sure to keep the fire always burning, day and night. We cannot be sure exactly what spiritual representation this typifies. But one lesson it may be is the presence of the Holy Spirit in the people of God.

God is the One who gives spiritual, eternal life to every one of His chosen people. It is by His grace that life is given and it is just as much by His grace that life is sustained. Sometimes the fire burns very brightly, often soon after a sinner is converted. Their heart burns with love for Christ and His people. Sometimes, sadly, the fire burns very low. The coldness of sin and love of the world has the tendency to stifle the zeal of God’s people. That is why the Apostle Paul told the Thessalonian saints, “Quench not the Spirit” (I Ths. 5:19). Sin is like pouring water on the fire of the Spirit’s presence in our hearts.

But praise be to God there are those times when the Spirit stirs up His presence in our hearts and the fire burns brightly again. Our responsibility is to not let the fire weaken. Paul told Timothy to stir himself up (II Tim. 1:6). If you feel yourself getting cold spiritually, go with urgency to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you repent of sin. Ask Him to stir up the flame again. Seek Him in His word. Fill your mind with Scripture and obey. At times we may be so cold that we wonder if there is even a spark of fire in us. But remember, if the Spirit has started a fire in your heart, it will never ultimately go out.

It should bother us when we, individually, and as churches are in a cold spiritual state. It should not sit well with us when our love for Christ is burning dimly. May God send forth His Spirit to revive the fires of our hearts to burn every brightly for His glory.