WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT
21 Days FIRST FRUIT FASTING FELLOWSHIP 2026 (Premium Edition) (Day 19)
- Theme: REAPING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND DIVINE REMEMBERANCE
- Texts: Gen. 8:22; Hos. 10:12; Jn. 4:35-38; Gal.6:7
- Topic: THE FIRE MUST NOT GO OUT
- Subtexts: Lev.6:8-13; 1Thess.5:17-22
The Old Testament foreshadows the New, so the rituals, laws and figures of the Old Testament point to the reality found in Jesus and New Testament events (Heb.10:1; Col.2:17; Matt.5:17). Therefore, God told Moses to ensure that all things were built according to the pattern that he was shown (Exo.25:40; Heb.8:5). It is interesting to note that the fire on the altar was ultimately started by God Himself (Lev.9:24) and likewise at the dedication of the temple during Solomon‘s time (2Chro.7:1).
We shall be looking at the following points:
(A) Fire On The Altar (B) Fire Must Not Go Out Explained (C) Fire On The Sustained (D) Fire On The Altar, Evidenced
- FIRE ON THE ALTAR EXPLAINED
Fire is symbolic of God’s presence Who Himself is a consuming Fire (Exo.3:2; 13:21-22; Deut. 4:24; Acts 2:1-2; Heb.12:29).
The fire on the altar was a constant
reminder of God’s power. And later on, John the Baptist predicted that Jesus will baptize with fire (Matt.3:11; Lk.3:16).
Fire served as a
sign of judgment and of purification/refining: which reminds us of the advent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4)?
So, the continuous fire on the altar symbolizes
God’s unending presence.
- FIRE ON THE ALTAR MUST NOT GO OUT, EXPLAINED
This means that as God‘s presence is perpetual in heaven which the altar did represent; so must there be perpetual fire on the altar to stand as a type of that above.
In the New dispensation, God does not dwell in buildings made with hands (cons. Isa. 66:1-2; Acts 7:48, 17:24; Jn.4:23) but in humans the heart (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
“The fire on the Old Testament altar must not go out” therefore implies the
operating presence of God in life must not be lost. By application, that means that there must be evidence of unending presence of God in the believer‘s life:
constant atonement and continual spiritual dedication and perpetual devotion to God (1 Jn. 1:7, 2:1,2; Heb, 13:15-16)
It must be noted that
where there is no wood, the fire goes out (Pro.26:20).
C. FIRE ON THE ALTAR SUSTAINED (1Thess.5:17-22; 2Tim.1:6).
The presence of God is sustained through consistent prayer, praise and worship, thankfulness and active service which eliminate lukewarmness. Also living in
obedience (i.e. according to God‘s will) and intentionally stirring up the Spirit, keep the fire burning.
Sin is a terrible fire quencher/douser; so also is delayed obedience (1Thess.5:17). Protracted pleasure is not healthy to the spirit(Gal.5:17; cp. Rom.12:11).
- FIRE ON THE ALTAR, EVIDENCED
When fire is burning on the altar, the following will be naturally present:
- Sensitivity to the Spirit of God. (Rom. 8:14; Jn. 10:27) ii. Spiritual Empowerment. (Acts 2:1-4, 14, 4:13)
iii. Spectacular fervency of spirit. (Rom. 12:11; Acts 18:24-25) iv. Strong manifestation to the world. (Acts 5:11-14, 17:6)
With the journey so far in the fasting exercise, no one can afford to be anything less than demanded/presented.
What must be done is as follows:
- Recommit your heart (altar) to God and on daily basis (Rom.12:1).
- Remove ashes of past failures (Pro.24:16).
- Request for fresh hunger and to maintain consistency (Phil.2:13).
- Resolve to maintain a fire carrier to light others (Phil.2: ; Matt.5:16).
The fire must not go out.
Let‘s rise up to add word to the fire.
