Thou flowing water pure and clear
Make music for thy Lord to hear
O praise Him alleluia
Thou fire so masterful and bright
Thou givest man both warmth and light
O praise Him alleluia
All Creatures of Our God and King
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919
Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.
Fiery Flames
Next up, fire. There are many references to fire in Scripture. It is a purifying agent, and a destroyer. It is not easily mastered, especially if fuel is readily available. In this passage we look at its role in offering a sacrifice to God, but one expression of it as a tool for His purposes.
Thou fire so masterful and bright
The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. Leviticus 6:12 ESV
The ability of fire to consume an offering is impressive. The offering is worship and the way fire does its work is worship. Worship ups worship. This is part of what fire was made to do. When something does what it was made to do it brings glory to its creator. Fire and our Lord are one beautiful expression of that.
There is a very obvious power to fire. That power has a terrifying aspect to it because of its ability to burn and consume. If you have ever stood close to a raging fire, you are well acquainted with that power. Nothing in creation compares to this incredible vehicle of praise.
Spirit, show me the unique, worshipful nature of the flame.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments to consider the power of fire. It consumes many things and purifies others. That is the purpose for which it was made. Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, show me the unique, worshipful nature of the flame.”
Warm Worship
What tempts you to keep your distance from the flame? Are you concerned what it what consume that you are not ready to part with? Are you afraid of what may illuminated if you come near to the light?
Don’t be. Come near to the fire.
Thou givest man both warmth and light
And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Mark 14:54ESV
On a cold night it also provides warmth and light, as we see in this passage from the evening Jesus was betrayed. Many a weary sojourner have felt the comfort of a fire as it performed its service, crackling and blazing as the chill and terror of the night was pushed back. Alleluia!
There is also this incredibly welcoming aspect of fire. If you have ever been cold and wet and drew and near to an open fire, you are well acquainted with its influence. Peter knew it that evening in the courtyard but was unable to push back his fear and worship with it.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider your source of fear. Will you allow the warmth and brightness of the flame to push it back. Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, help me take a cue from the fire when I am cold.“
Jesus, thank You for calling fire to praise you. Thank you for the way it aids and inspires my worship. Let me burn for You. In Jesus name. Amen.
Warm Thinking!
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Podcast 52.3 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
Thou flowing water pure and clear
Who builds his upper chambers in the heavens and founds his vault upon the earth; who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth— the Lord is his name. Amos 9:6 ESV
We move on in this stanza to a couple elements. First, water. It flows pure and clear. It is always on the move at the Lord’s command. Whether the crashing waves of the ocean, or the torrent of a running river, there is power on display. All that power bringing glory to God.
Make music for thy Lord to hear
The mountains saw you and writhed; the raging waters swept on; the deep gave forth its voice; it lifted its hands on high. Habakkuk 3:10 ESV
Here the voice of the raging waters is articulated. I personally prefer the babbling of a gentle brook. There is also the roar and rhythm of the waves of the ocean and the pounding of the rain. Different timbres and sounds all declaring the praise of the Lord our God.
Thou fire so masterful and bright
The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. Leviticus 6:12 ESV
Next up, fire. There are many references to fire in Scripture. It is a purifying agent, and a destroyer. It is not easily mastered, especially if fuel is readily available. In this passage we look at its role in offering a sacrifice to God, but one expression of it as a tool for His purposes.
Thou givest man both warmth and light
And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Mark 14:54 ESV
On a cold night it also provides warmth and light, as we see in this passage from the evening Jesus was betrayed. Many a weary sojourner have felt the comfort of a fire as it performed its service, crackling and blazing as the chill and terror of the night was pushed back. Alleluia!
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more.
Thou flowing water pure and clear
Make music for thy Lord to hear
O praise Him alleluia
Thou fire so masterful and bright
Thou givest man both warmth and light
O praise Him alleluia
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time,
Be Resonant.
The post Fiery Flames Offering Warm Worship appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
Thou fire so masterful and bright – https://pixabay.com/photos/fire-bowl-fire-flames-burn-hot-1397864/
Thou givest man both warmth and light – https://pixabay.com/photos/campfire-fire-burn-adventure-wood-1585353/
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